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:
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* Rashi, Rambam and Presidential-Dingdong: A Quizbook of Presidential Jewish Trivia Facts and Fun
* Rashi, Rambam, and Ramalamadingdong: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts and Fun
* Rashi, Rambam, and Ramalamadingdong: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts and Fun, Volume Aleph
* Rashi, Rambam, and Ramalamadingdong, A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts and Fun, Volume Bet
* Rashi, Rambam, and Ramalamadingdong: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts and Fun, Volume Gimel
* Rashi, Rambam and Ramalamadingdong: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia, Facts, and Fun: Volume Dalet
* Zim’s Guide: A Survey of Family Attractions: 95-96 Long Island
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James 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 ArtsWhich of the following is true about Prince Philip and his family?
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Prince Philip, R.I.P. Read More »
International, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireIn 2020, archaeologists and scientists studied residue found in an altar at Tel Arad in Israel from the period 760 BCE to 715 BCE and determined that it was the remnants of burning cannabis plants used in a ritual ceremony. What term related to marijuana is believed to have Jewish roots? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Marijuana Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireA tradition started 40 years ago that has gained widespread acceptance in many non-Orthodox households is the placement of an orange on the seder plate. Though many see this as a symbol of women’s important role in Judaism, it was in fact started by Jewish feminist scholar Susannah Heschel in support of gays and lesbians. More recently, others have suggested new additions to the seder plate, though none has as yet gained widespread acceptance. Which of the following are among those new seder plate suggestions? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: The Seder Plate Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireAlmost all of the Dead Sea Scrolls that have been found to date are housed in the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. How did Israel obtain a number of the Dead Sea Scrolls? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Dead Sea Scrolls Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Trivia, Humor & SatireComedian Tiffany Haddish won a Grammy award for Best Comedy Album for her album Black Mitzvah, the recording of her 2019 Netflix comedy special. In the performance, Haddish explored her Jewish heritage, something she only discovered as a young adult when she learned that her father was an Eritrean Jew. Haddish embraced her Jewish heritage and held a bat mitzvah under the guidance of Rabbi Susan Silverman, including Torah reading and a d’var Torah speech about Jacob’s ladder from the Parsha Vayetze. But Haddish was no stranger to Judaism, as she had worked since the age of 17 as a dancer and an MC at more than 500 bar and bat mitzvah parties. What did Haddish say about that experience? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Tiffany Haddish Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & SatireLater works by Dr. Seuss carried strong messages of the importance of acceptance of others, including Horton Hears a Who!, with a theme of “a person’s a person no matter how small.” Seuss, who made his home in San Diego County, was inspired by a post-World War II visit to Japan that opened his eyes to seeing the Japanese people differently than he had during the war. Which of Dr. Seuss’s works was inspired by something Jewish? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Dr. Seuss Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireGovernor Andrew Cuomo was seen as a voice of reason and calm during the early days of the pandemic, especially at a time when President Trump was offering practically no leadership at all regarding this crisis. Lately, however, Governor Cuomo is being seen in a different light as two former aides have accused him of sexual harrassment. Cuomo has denied the claims, and an independent investigation will likely take place under the auspices of the New York attorney general and the chief judge of the state court of appeals. Governor Cuomo once said “It was ugly. It was ugly. I’ll tell you the truth.” What was he referring to? [Mark d. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Andrew Cuomo Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireMusk, who is often mistakenly thought to be Jewish, visited Israel in 2018, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dining in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda market, and pouring himself a flaming absinthe in a Jerusalem bar. Musk also went to Masada and posted a selfie from there on Instagram, with what pithy caption? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Elon Musk Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatirePresident Trump will be hosting an in-person Chanukah party at the White House this coming Wednesday. Many of the Jewish leaders who were invited have declined to attend because of the COVID risk. Some, however, plan to be there, including ZOA president Mort Klein, who explained the motivation of those attending, “They want to see important people and they want to be seen.” At the 2015 White House Chanukah party, President Barack Obama addressed the attendees, including Israeli president Reuven Rivlin, and compared the Chanukkah story to what movie? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: White House Chanukah Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & SatireRenowned Argentinian football (soccer) star Diego Armando Maradona died of a heart attack last week at the age of 60. Maradona is generally considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and is particularly remembered for a goal he scored against England in the 1986 World Cup Quarterfinals that has been dubbed “The Hand of God” goal. He played in four World Cups, leading Argentina to victory over West Germany in 1986, and he was jointly awarded the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award along with Pele. What was Diego Maradona’s connection to Jews and/or Israel? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Diego Maradona, RIP Read More »
International, Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Sports & CompetitionsLast week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Israeli West Bank settlement of Psagot. This is the first time that a high ranking American diplomat visited one of the West Bank settlements, which opponents say are illegal under international law. What did a Jewish leader once decide to do regarding Secretary Pompeo, explaining “if we would have passed up the opportunity…after everything he’s done for the Jewish people and Israel, I believe he would have been offended in some place.” [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Mike Pompeo Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire