As editor of the Gantseh Megillah, it is my honour to name the very first recipient of the Megillah Shmuck of the Month award. After careful consideration, I have determined that our premier honoree is none other than the redoubtable Jackie Mason.

Let me state clearly that I have always admired Mr. Mason’s work as a comedian sans par. His observations of human nature, especially as seen through the eyes of a Yiddishe kup, have been insightful as well as hilariously funny. I personally owe Jackie a debt of gratitude for the laughter his recordings and books brought to me even while I was laid up sick in hospital. Recently, something has turned in Mr. Mason’s psyche.

Instead of dealing with humour that serves to broaden understanding between people, he has evolved into a mean-spirited spokesman for the lowest common denominator of intolerance. His embittered rants consist of name calling, wild accusations, and racial insults, as the included video demonstrates.

This is not the Jackie Mason I grew to love and admire so many years ago. I miss that man, and I really wish this current iteration would just plain shut the heck up.