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On The Berenstein Bears and Religion |
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November 21st, 2006 11:16am |
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Question: Are the Berenstein Bears Jewish? The religious affiliation of America's second favorite children's book bears (second to the singularly powerful Winnie-The-Pooh) has the been the subject of debate after debate. Today my blog, the blog of truth, continues the conversation.
  
Sure, just because their last name ends in -stein doesn't mean they are Jewish. I mean, just look at Frankenstein. Sure there is a small minority who find his monstery antics very "Jewy", but by large concensus his name ending in -stein makes him no more Jewish than the bolts in his neck make him human.
There are, however, several other clues that these bears: Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister are, in face, Jewish. The book "The Berenstein Bears and The Big Question" deals with the bears questioning who God is. This does prove to us that they are bears of faith - but what faith? Are these lovable Berenstein Bears as Jewish as some think?
The book "The Berenstein Bears Dollars and Sense" deals with frugality, a trademark cliche of those in the Jewish faith.
Early drafts of the book "The Berenstein Bears Get The Gimmies" show the original title "The Berenstein Bears Won't Stop Their Kvetching" was scrapped because it was considered by focus groups to be "too Jewy". Also original concept art had Papa Bear wearing a yamulke, which is a far cry and much different from his signature bubble shaped brown hat.
If in fact, Papa Berenstein is Jewish, which most scholars belive, then it is no surprise that the authors and the Jewish community would want this kept under lock and key. If proven that Papa Bear is Jewish, then his poor example would tarnish public perception of Jews. Papa is a supremely poor example of acceptance and tolerance to other cultures as shown memorably in the book "The Berenstein Bears New Neighbors" in which Panda Bears move in next door:
The generic names of the children, Brother and Sister, suggest a more Christian upbringing. Most scholars seem to be in agreement that Mama is either Catholic or Christian - though there is no hard evidence to this. It is also suggested by a large margin that both Mama and Papa differ in their religious beliefs. Perhaps when the little bears come of age, the children can decide which faith to pursue. This will make a wonderful story to tell and I look forward to that book.
Until then check out this detailed list of the religious affiliations of superheroes. It's interesting. Holy Superheroes, Batman!;
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