Humorist Mark D. Zimmerman writes a weekly Jewish trivia column, offering multiple choice answers to challenge and enlighten the reader. Click on the link to see if you’ve guessed correctly.
Zimmerman is the author of a series of Jewish trivia books, under the title RASHI, RAMBAM and RAMALAMADINGDONG: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts & Fun. The quizzes are designed to challenge, educate, entertain, and make you laugh. Are Tzitzit disease-carrying Mediterranean flies? Are Israeli cherries harvested during the Jubilee year? Is Gefilte Phish one of Ben and Jerry’s best-selling Israeli ice cream flavors?
Raised on the Three Stooges, The Addams Family, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and most importantly, the Marx Brothers, Zimmerman combines his comedic sensibilities with his background in Jewish Communal Service and synagogue and day school volunteer work to create Jewish trivia guaranteed to stimulate and amuse.
His books, available on Amazon, include:
. In the 1970’s, Mason had an affair with Ginger Reiter, leading to the birth of a daughter whom Mason denied was his. Ultimately a paternity lawsuit led to his providing child support, though he had little to do with his daughter, Sheba Mason. Which of the following is true about Jackie Mason’s relationship with Ginger Reiter and Sheba Mason? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Jackie Mason Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireVirgin Atlantic, Branson’s commercial airline company, began flying from London to Tel Aviv in 2019. What steps did Branson take to promote the success of the Virgin flights to and from Israel? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Richard Branson Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & SatireRumsfeld was an admirer and strong supporter of Israel and a critic of PLO leader Yasser Arafat, who he felt had not really transformed from a terrorist to a statesman. However, what is one area where Rumsfeld did not support Israel? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Donald Rumsfeld Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USAHaim Eshed, the director of space programs for the Israel Ministry of Defense for nearly 30 years, gave an interview on the topic of UFOs. Eshed is considered to be the father of Israel’s space program, and has won many awards, including the Israel Defense Prize (the highest civilian defense honor of the State of Israel) on three occasions. What did Eshed say regarding the possibility of life on other planets? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: UFO’s Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireThroughout his personal and political life, Bennett has faced many challenges, and has spoken of one particular problem that he solved creatively, noting that “I had to improvise. So we MacGyvered it.” The term “MacGyvered” refers to the MacGyver television show whose eponymous lead character routinely jerry-rigged solutions to problems he was confronted with. What was Bennett referring to when he said “we MacGyvered it”? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Naftali Bennett Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & SatireCongressman Louie Gohmert has clearly stated that America is a Christian nation, and his religious beliefs are the foundation of his political beliefs. What verse did Gohmert quote from the Bible to justify one of his political beliefs? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Louie Gohmert Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireAttorney F. Lee Bailey died last week. Bailey gained fame for defending a wide range of controversial figures, including The Boston Strangler, Patty Hearst, and O. J. Simpson. He brought a very theatrical presence into the courtroom, and advocated strongly for his clients with a focus on the concept of reasonable doubt. What did Bailey say that offended many in the Jewish community? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: F. Lee Bailey Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireYair Lapid strongly opposed the Iran nuclear deal when it was first announced in November 2013. How did then Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid describe the proposed nuclear deal with Iran at that time? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Yair Lapid Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & SatireGreene was previously criticized for claiming that space lasers controlled by the Rothschild family were responsible for the California wildfires. She denied the charge that her claim was antisemitic, with what explanation? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Marjorie Taylor Greene Read More »
International, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Israeli actress Gal Gadot tweeted about the current military crisis between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, “My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long. Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation, Our neighbors deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days.” In response, Yair Netanyahu, son of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized her for her comments. What did he say? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Gal Gadot Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & SatireRabbi Mendel Jacobs of the Lubavitch of Scotland is known for what action that related to traditional Scottish culture? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Scotland Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireJames Carville offered advice and criticism to the Democratic Party for their overall poor results (other than winning the presidency) in the last election (“We won the White House against a world-historical buffoon. And we came within 42,000 votes of losing.”). What “Jewish-referenced” comment did Carville offer? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: James Carville Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USAWhat was Abbie Hoffman’s “Jewish” interaction with pediatrician Dr. Spock, a fellow anti-war protestor? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Abbie Hoffman Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireThe Hatikvah melody has been heard more recently when a singer sampled the tune in one of his songs. Which rap or hip hop musician sampled the music of Hatikvah in a rap song? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: ‘Hatikvah’ Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts