"I didn't know you were Jewish!!!"

[Kappin]

This happened in the office this morning. My surname isn't 'Jewish' as my husband isn't. When discussing weekend events I happened to mention it was Hannukah, cue stunned disbelief from everyone in the nearby vicinity "I didn't know!", "you don't look Jewish!", "how are you Jewish" and even "ah so that's why you've got so much money at your age!". Has anyone else found this? It's resulted in that reaction a few times before in different situations but never before have I really questioned why.

Mitzy, my dp was once on a biography-writing course where they had to go round in a circle describing their projects. One woman said she was writing a book about Ruskin's wife. When asked what research sources she was using, she said she didn't need any as she had herself in fact been Mrs Ruskin in a previous life

I'd love to have seen the course tutor's face!

Just to add my (stingy) two pence worth-yes I feel judged on my generosity cos I have heard 'Jew' used to equate with meanness throughout my life.
I don't think people realise how offensive this is. So I go on the defensive and am probably too generous.
But I am also very careful with money-probably my upbringing.
And yes, we Jews can tell Jewish jokes with impunity, but I'm afraid no-one else can.

That reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where he suspects his friend has converted to Judaism just so he can tell Jewish jokes.

Seinfeld is great, the best

That is very rude of them. I had a Jewish fiancé many years ago. I'd be shocked at some of the anti semitic jokes and comments. Next time they say something don't tough it out "you don't look racist/anti semitic/bitchy/stupid" hangs in air.

How ignorant!

I had the opposite when I lived in North London. I have an Old Testament name, as does DH and we lived in a 'Jewish area', many people assumed I was.

DH looks v Jewish, our kids have names which are common for Jewish children and I don't eat pork. I actually had someone exclaim 'There, I knew you were Jewish' when I mentioned DS was being circumcised (for medical reasons).

We're not, it was quite funny

The money thing is uber offensive. Everything else - maybe curiosity?
I'm only Jew... ish - as in my dad is, so obviously my family on that side are, but non-practising for generations.
I do kind of look quite Jewish though, there can be a look. It is a race and a religion. We're all very dark and olive skinned on my dad's side.

My daughters had that. All our 5 children have old testatment names amd we live in North London.

The bottom line is no one should say rude things about other people.

The "wealthy" stereotype comes from the fact that Judaism is big on education which means the Jewish race is on balance more financially successful than average. Quite frankly if that is a prejudice
people have I'm happy to go along with it and explain why (I am married to a Jewish man).

My first job ever was with a Jewish firm and they were amazing people. They really engaged with my curiosity about their faith and didn't see it as negative that i wanted to learn about it. I just wish more people could be like they were, genuinely kind and interesting - since then my experiences have been mixed at best.

The money comment would piss me off, although not as much as the guy who insisted I should feel guilty for "killing Jesus"
I hope you reminded him that Jesus was Jewish.

Some crazy stories on here. Nowt so queer as folk. I suppose that some of them were trying to be nice though . The office email one was appalling, and HR should've known better!