"Secret Jewish History of the Grateful Dead"

I'm neither Jewish nor what you'd call a Deadhead, but I thought those who are one or the other, and especially both, would find this article interesting.

http://forward.com/culture/310778/the-secret-jewish-history-of-the-grateful-dead/

 

I've read references to this before. I think it was in the book "Skeleton Key: A Dictionary for Deadheads," by David Shenk and Steve Silberman.

Not to derail the discussion, but as an Italian-American my latest thoughts recently turned to whether the Dead now has an Italian presence because Chimenti and Anastasio's names sound that way. I could be totally wrong about this, though. I've interviewed Jeff and should have asked him but he was busy eating a meatball sub (kidding, kidding).

 

As far as I can see Seth needs a new hobby.

 

Oy vey...

 

I am half Jewish and see the connection to being a jewish band or a band with jewish sensibilities very suspect. Most any rock band has very similiar connections. Maybe Im missing the point. Shalom aleichem, John M.

 

You've got it all wrong, fellas, the main influence in the band was Spanish: Gerónimo García.

 

Can't decide to what degree, if any, the author is trying to be humourous or whether he's totally serious. Was the article written, and should it be read, with a nod and a wink?

 

I may be going to hell in a yarmulke, baby, but at least I'm enjoying the ride.

Ok, so if there's a Jewish link to The Dead, no surprise ...likely someone's heritage. All good to me.

 

Listicle clickbait. Be wary of any work that describes itself as a "secret history" (of sex? of woodworking?)

 

We're everywhere these days.

 

Unlike Walter Sobchak, the Dead DO roll on shomer Shabbos.

 

Maybe they'll pull this one out for Fare Thee Well

 

Jews for Jerry was the funniest line in the article

 

I gotta think this is fairly tongue in cheek - no, I need to believe it is given some of the connections they draw. What's weird is that it didn't even occur to me that Mickey was Jewish, whereas I assumed Phil Lesh was (he has Seders and Hanukkah parties). Maybe he converted or something?

UPDATE: Just checked - no he's not. He does it because of the amount of interest/support the community has for it, which is pretty cool.

 

Thanks for that.

 

Mel Gibson, Grateful Dead denier!