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:
By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — (With a shout-out to our new followers in the San Diego Jewish World) In San Diego in 1888, Congregation Beth Israel hired its first rabbi, Samuel Freuder. What career move did Rabbi Freuder subsequently make that he later considered a mistake? A. In 1889, Rabbi Freuder converted to Christianity […]
Jewish Trivia: Rabbi Samuel Freuder Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, San Diego County, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — Many rabbis, most notably Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, participated in the marches and other civil rights movement activities in the 1960’s. The wearing of a yarmulke was adopted by many black marchers, necessitating the special delivery of 1000 yarmulkes for the march from Selma to Montgomery 50
Jewish trivia question: Selma Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — Ashkenzaic Jews remember Haman’s evil by making noise with a greggar whenever Haman’s name is said at the Megillah reading. How do Moroccan Jews note Haman’s wickedness? A. They make a three cornered pastry similar to a hamantashen, but it is filled with red strawberries, representing the blood
Jewish trivia: Moroccan Purim customs Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — At one point in his life, Leonard Nimoy scheduled a speaking tour, but a number of synagogues then canceled his scheduled appearances. What was their objection? A. Nimoy produced and starred in the movie Never Forget, based on the true story of Mel Mermelstein, a Holocaust survivor who confronted
Jewish Trivia: Leonard Nimoy, z”l Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York –What is Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner Patricia Arquette’s Jewish connection? A. Her paternal grandfather Cliff Arquette (also known as Charley Weaver) was Christian, her father was Muslim, and her mother was Jewish. She and her four siblings (all actors) were raised with no religion. She is the
Jewish trivia question: Patricia Arquette Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, N.Y. — Which of the following Brian Williams stories is true (unless, of course, it turns out not to be)? A. In 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, Williams was reporting from Gaza when an Israeli airstrike destroyed a house a few hundred yards from where Williams was standing. Said Williams on
Jewish Trivia Question: Brian Williams Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, a Grammy nominee for this year’s Best New Artist, has what Jewish connection? A. Israeli horticulturists at the University of Haifa have developed a breed of azalea which is resistant to petal blight, a common plant disease. They have named this new breed the
Jewish Trivia Question: Grammys 2015 Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireSAN DIEGO (SDJW) –Are Israeli cherries harvested during the Jubilee year? Is Gefilte Phish one of Ben and Jerry’s best-selling Israeli ice cream flavors? Are Tzitzit disease-carrying Mediterranean flies? Did George Washington throw gelt across the Potomac River? The answers to these and many other questions of Jewish Law, Tradition, History, and Popular Culture can be
Jewish trivia column to start on Monday Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire