‘Shoch’ is no different from derogatory term ‘filthy Jew’

Samantha Kahn

Shoch: A word that causes me to cringe every time that I hear it!

As a nation, the Jewish people have experienced anti-Semitism in many forms, and continue to experience it daily. For this reason, I cannot understand how we can, without any concern, use the word “shoch” in our everyday speech.

Members of the community (ranging from frum to secular) are quick to label someone an “anti-Semite” yet believe that “shoch”, which has become a more acceptable word to use than “Kaffir”, is not a racist term. How is “shoch” any different to “filthy Jew”, or any other derogatory name? Is Jewish culture really that much better than African culture?

We are very quick to complain about somebody standing too close to us in queues, but have you ever been into Shoshanna’s on a Friday morning, when Jewish women are rudely pushing for their challah?

We are quick to complain about their (blacks’) eating habits, and judge them as “eating like pigs”, but have you ever been to a brocha following a shul service or any other Jewish simchah involving a buffet?

We are also quick to complain about the cashiers in the supermarkets shouting across the shop to one another, or shouting to their colleague who might be only metres away. Well, have you ever been to a bar-/batmitzvah and tried to listen to the speeches or the rabbi’s drosha – a time when some respect (learned at home, strengthened at school) will strengthen our community.

From a young age we teach our children: “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” And we also teach our children to “treat others the way you want them to treat you”. I think that it is time to start to practise what we preach and take a look at our own behaviour before judging everybody else.

That “stupid shoch” may have forgotten to iron your shirt yesterday, but she also cooked dinner, made your bed, did your laundry, washed last night’s dishes and made sure that your children were ready for school. Now please, show some respect, and think before you complain about the “stupid shoch”. – Anonymous

Samantha Kahn

Johannesburg