On Mar. 6, 1998, The Big Lebowski debuted in theaters.
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Several months later, Peter Ephross did a nice job putting the films most famous Jewish line in context.
Ephross and the copy editor at the time must have had a field day sharing the quote — uttered by John Goodman’s character, Walter Sobchak — in a manner that wouldn’t blind our readers:
"Saturday, Donny, is Shabbas, the Jewish day of rest. That means I don’t work, I don’t drive a car, I don’t handle money" and, Walter adds, using epithets, that he certainly doesn’t bowl on Shabbas.
One Shabbos afternoon walking home from shul, in 1998 or shortly thereafter, I distinctly remember my initial disbelief when a friend relayed to me (a) the quote and (b) the fact that it was uttered in a major motion picture.
When I finally saw it for myself, I couldn’t help but let out a good laugh.
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