On the television show Frasier, Frederick Crane, the title character’s estranged son, is the product of an interfaith union: his mother’s Jewish; his father isn’t. When the time came for Frederick’s bar mitzvah, Frasier wanted to be a supportive dad–but he didn’t really know what he was doing. And so a vindictive Jewish co-worker at Frasier’s radio station decided to step in.
What followed was every bar mitzvah boy’s worst nightmare. Frasier ascended the bimah, greeted the rabbi, and then sounded out a prayer written by his coworker…that happened to be, not Hebrew, but Klingon.
Granted, this isn’t the sort of situation that happens in most interfaith families–or most non-interfaith families. But the awkwardness between father and son is representative of many teenager-parent relationships. And Frederick’s shock and awe at the end–when his friend tells him that Frasier’s Klingon language skills are actually top-notch–is that combination of embarrassment and pride that any parent, and any child, can relate to.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
