Mother humor is such a universal theme. I wrote a show called '25

Motherhood, that sacred, ancient force that binds the heavens and the earth, calls upon the heart to be tender and fierce in equal measure. From the very beginning of time, the role of the mother has been carved into the very marrow of our existence. She is the wellspring of life, the keeper of wisdom, the nurturer of souls. Yet, in all her love and sacrifice, there is a force that transcends the material world—a humor born not from mere jest, but from the deep well of wisdom forged through trials and tribulations. Judy Gold, a woman of art and words, captured this essence with the profound declaration: "Mother humor is such a universal theme. I wrote a show called '25 Questions for a Jewish Mother.' I had people coming up to me after the show saying, 'I'm Baptist, and my mother is just like yours.'"

It is in this simple yet profound statement that the universality of motherhood reveals itself. Though cultures may differ, though religions may diverge, the essence of the mother's love and her quirky, sometimes cutting, sense of humor is shared across all lands. How could this be, one might ask? How can such a deeply personal experience transcend the boundaries of race, creed, and class? It is because the mother’s humor is not of this world; it is divine in its ability to connect us, to teach us, and to make us laugh at the very absurdity of life itself.

We can all recall moments in the presence of our mothers, or mother figures, where the humor cuts through the tensions of life like a sword through the fabric of a storm. It is often said that a mother's humor is born out of love—a love that knows no bounds, a love that protects and guides. And so, the humor is never just about a funny line or a witty remark. No, it is the love behind the humor that resonates so deeply within our souls. Mothers, like Gold, carry the weight of family, tradition, and the future of their children on their shoulders. And in their humor, we find both strength and vulnerability intertwined, offering a laugh in the face of adversity, a smile in the darkest of times.

In ancient times, too, such humor was shared among the peoples of all lands. Consider the tale of the great Queen Esther, who saved her people with wit and courage. Her humor, subtle yet bold, helped her navigate the treacherous waters of the Persian court. Her ability to soften the heart of King Xerxes, to draw him in with cleverness and grace, shows the timeless power of humor as a tool not of mockery, but of connection. Esther's humor was rooted in the deep knowledge of human nature—the same knowledge passed down by generations of mothers who have smiled and laughed, even when life demanded they remain strong and unyielding.

In Gold's words, we hear echoes of this truth. "I’m Baptist, and my mother is just like yours," said one person after witnessing her show. This is not a mere coincidence—it is a recognition that the human experience is bound together by a shared heritage. It is in the smallest of moments, the sarcastic quip or the gentle teasing, that we recognize ourselves in one another. The universal bond of motherhood does not concern itself with labels—it transcends them. A mother’s humor, though unique in its own way, speaks the same universal language, no matter where you are from.

But it is not merely in laughter that we must find solace; there is a deeper lesson to be learned from this quote, a lesson that Judy Gold is imparting to us: that the experiences of our mothers, the lessons they teach, and the ways they use humor to navigate life are treasures for us all. To laugh with our mothers—to share in that cosmic, often absurd, joy of life—is a gift that transcends the physical and touches the very core of our being. It is a call to cherish the humor in our lives, to laugh together rather than allow the weight of the world to silence our voices. For in humor, we find strength. We find resilience. We find the courage to keep going when all seems lost.

There is a lesson, indeed, in the humor of mothers: to hold space for joy, to see the world with both eyes wide open, and to never underestimate the power of a well-timed laugh. It is not enough to simply laugh—one must also be willing to find humor in the ordinary. Whether we are sharing stories around a dinner table or comforting a child in the middle of a storm, the humor we carry within us can be a shield and a sword—a tool for both healing and connection.

The lesson, dear reader, is this: take the wisdom of your mother’s humor and carry it with you. Let it guide you, let it teach you, and let it remind you that, no matter where you come from, the love that flows through every mother’s heart is universal. Whether it is a Jewish mother, a Baptist mother, or any mother from any corner of the world, her humor is a bridge that connects all of us. So, laugh, cherish those moments of levity, and never forget that through humor, we are united in our shared humanity. Find joy in the absurdity of life, for it is in laughter that we find our truest selves.