Are Jewish people really cheap with their money?

Question

I have known some jews and they are very 'tight' and cheap with their money. Is this fact or just an old wives tale that all jews are like this? If true, why is this? Culture? Upbringing?

Answer 1

whoever tells you that this is an old wives tale has never been around jewish people, yea sure not all of them are like that, but i have met plenty of them and lived in a jewish neighborhood, yea they can be pretty cheap, this one jewish guy who owned a deli i know would short change any nonjew a couple of cents so that they wouldn't notice, but i've caught him a few times

Answer 2

I'll say this about Jews in general, not meaning there are no acceptions. In general, the Jewish tradtion has taught them since very early how to save and invest money. Being prosperous does not always mean shrewd and greedy. In the Hebrew Text (Old Testement) Jews are taught to give 10% of the best of their fruits (money and other products) to God, put them in the storehouse. And then when there is a famine, draught or whatever, they have these things. This works the same with money. If any of us were to put away 10% of our earnings every week we wouldnt go broke either unless we were stupid with our money.

I also believe that when God tells you to do something, and you do it with no argument, you will be richly blessed.

Answer 3

The Jewish people I know are very generous with their money. I think their reputation comes from way back when money lending was looked down on as a dubious profession. Many Jews became money lenders as it was some of the only work open to them.

But I've heard it said that Scottish and Chinese people are tight with money. So pick your race and country, I think it's pretty much the same all over.

Answer 4

That is just a stereotype. I'm Jewish and I love spending money. All my Jewish friends also love to spend money. We shop more than most other people I know. Jews as a people are also really big on charity. We donate a lot of money to different organizations.

Answer 5

Not really. I'm Jewish and spend all my money on my family and friends. I think maybe more older Jews were tight with money because they were raised in times or from people who were in times where Jews were attacked and they felt to need to keep save and protect their money in case of another emergancy emerging in their life or being a Jew.

Answer 6

I don't know, quite frankly. I do know my Bible asks the question, what will it benefit man to store up treasures here on earth, when his rewards are in heaven. In other words, you can't take it with you. Yes, I am a Christian. Not a Jew hater, racist, or bigot, but a devout Southern Baptist.

Answer 7

Maybe some
I knew one Jew who would be broke 3 days after getting his paycheck

Answer 8

Questions like this amaze me. How can you say that a certain type of people are all one way. It just doesn't make sense. No one large of group (which is comprised of individuals) is EVER going to all behave the same. Next time you feel like asking a question like this, try replacing some of the words.

Are all tea kettles silver?

Are all dogs brown?

Are all the people on Yahoo Answers prejudiced?

Well, maybe that last one isn't a good example.....

Answer 9

Cheap isn't the word, but they do know how to handle money well. I have known many Jews and have never known one to be in money trouble.

Answer 10

I don't think so. From my experience, Jews are very giving with their money and provide vast amounts of charity.