Leap of faith: What would Esther say about the use of the Y-word?

A stimulating new series where our progressive rabbis consider how biblical figures might act when faced with 21st century issues

I imagine that, at first, Esther, the queen of diaspora Judaism, would have suggested that we hold onto our sense of humour when it comes to debating the use of the word ‘Yid’ at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. After all, the Torah says mishenichnas Adar marbin b’simchah (when Adar enters, we increase joy) (B. Ta’anit 29a).

She would have wanted us to share joy and ease with our fellow Brits, and more so our fellow football fans. But even she, I think, would be saying “enough now”.

The term ‘Yid’ has emotional and historical attachments. Spurs has been known as the ‘Jewish team’ and the football team of choice for many in our community. It has always been a place you could buy bagels at half-time. Visiting White Hart Lane was my first experience of a football match and the tuna mayo bagel was very welcome.

Perhaps there was a time when the Y-word felt cosy, familiar and affectionate. But now the club’s request to stop using the word is, for many, long overdue. Calling out language doesn’t mean that the goodwill and the history have to be lost.

I checked with hardened fans in my synagogue, including my children, who understand the shared use of the word is sometimes as an act of love and appreciation. But they also understand that it gives permission for its use in other ways, such as as race-hate, when opposing fans reference death camps.

When the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013 changed its definition of the word ‘Yid’ to include a “supporter of or player for Tottenham Hotspur”, this created concern and even alarm for many. We live in febrile times, and when the word is used (as it often is) as a term of abuse, it negates its other, more benign, employment.

I’m sure that Esther would have read David Baddiel’s excellent book, Jews Don’t Count, before inviting Haman to her private rooms. It includes the description of Chelsea fan David and his brother Ivor being unexpectedly tearful at a match as the Y-word was chanted aggressively around them. “I want them to stop,” he recalls his brother Ivor saying.

Maybe we once thought that Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and its fans could reclaim the Y-word, but it no longer feels that way. I believe that Esther would have applauded the actions of the club. Times change and so does our consciousness of words, speech and their influence.