ABSTRACT
The physiological reaction to humor known to all of us is laughter (or, at least, a smile). It is easier to relate to laughter than to humor because it can be seen and heard, whereas humor is merely a theoretical concept Laughter, as a daily phenomenon of a physiological nature, can be precisely described. Naturally, Jewish humor changes as a result of important changes that take place in the life of the Jewish people. Thus, one can speak of Eastern European Jewish humor, Moroccan Jewish humor, American Jewish humor or Israeli Jewish humor. Masochism is a psychological phenomenon which is the underlying factor in behavior that derives pleasure from humiliation and self-abuse. Masochism operates as a mechanism that causes a man to forego his strength and self-dignity in order to gain love and forgiveness for aggressive impulses that he cannot express outwardly. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
