One of the worst summer tv watching guilty pleasures has to be “Big Brother.” The handful of seasons of the reality show I have watched have always sucked in me not with the show’s smut or humiliation factor, but when they have had a character who wears his or her religion on the sleeve. Who can forget Kaysar, who gave a different face to an American Muslim? Or what about everybody’s favorite Christian virgin boy, Jason? And now I may get sucked in again – at least temporarily- to the latest edition of “Big Brother”, which premieres tonight. I blame it all on a seemingly nice Jewish doctor from Miami.
Andrew Gordon , an Orthodox Jew, has declared upfront that he will practice all aspects of his religion while living in the Big Brother house. He will eat kosher food, keep Shabbat, and has said he will refuse to participate in house challenges if they interfere with his daily Jewish practices.
Now, if this was any other reality show than “Big Brother”, I would say this is a great opportunity for the general public at large, including myself, to learn more about those who are observant Jews. But on a show that prides itself on gross out food challenges, how far can an Orthodox Jew really go in the game? And when head of household challenges have been known to go on over the course of a night into day, how can the good doctor expect to win? After all, offiicially, CBS has not said that they will make any concessions for Gordon’s faith practices.
Then again,you just never know how, unofficially, CBS might help Gordon out. It won’t depend on his faith as much as whether or not he makes for good air time. If Gordon can prove to be a fan favorite, as Kaysar and Jason did, then he might find the structure of the game suddenly is a little more favorable.
Will Gordon be a schieml? A schamazel ? Or will he be a mensch? Darn it, I am gong to have to tune in for at least a little while to find out.
posted July 8, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I’m doubting that this guy would win the game. Speically late in the game when winning HOH is critical to winning. If the person throws comps left and right he will not win. Garnteed. Been watching BB for a long time.
posted July 9, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I believe it is schlemiel, schlemazel.
posted July 9, 2010 at 3:58 pm
It’s interesting to note that if they are, in fact, outing people through CBS based upon their religion forbiddng them from taking part in certain aspects of the game that they are in violation of Federal Law, no matter what their religion may be, providing it can be proven that it is not a cult, rather than a recognized religion. Should be interesting to watch.
posted July 10, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Whoever doesn’t believe in some higher power is a schlemiel or whatever…. Unless you’re smarter than Einstein! He believed in God. Are you even smarter than a fifth grader?
posted July 19, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Do U believe it is possible that most of are the same as Einstien? How much of society runs ur life? tv? music? How much do u read? & what do u read? the goals of people, should be, but are not, to be one with Elohim, we are to reach HIS essence to be HE, how often do u pray? what contributions of time do u give with out wanting somethig in return, even a thank u or blessing? Institutional schools only train u for what the masses want & relating to money retuns then u want more & more & more u try to fill a void, well void is darkness in which we came try stuggling for the light, u will then understand, just think awhile on this ok?