Why do you think that Jews are so smart?

Why Jews are so smart has always been a mystery to me, i can't work it out. and maybe your first explanation tells the story---they have to me or they are gifted. I have a friend who is Jews and he is unbelivable clever, fast to learn and understand.

Bugsey, do you really think you can stereotype correctly? Therre are too many exceptions to try make a rule to cover all. In any case, I'll tell you a little story that might explain it. I was 3 or 4 years old, and my friend next door was already preparing to become a nun, which she eventually did. She told me that I was going to be damned for eternity because I didn't believe in Jesus. I went home crying, of course, and my father calmed me down. I asked him, if we don't believe in Jesus, what do we Jews believe in. His answer was simple: "Education". When I was old enough to get the point, he explained that Jews have been enslaved and/or victimized throughout history, and everything was always taken from us or had to be left behind when we were forced to flee for our lives. Nobody can ever take away what's in our minds, though. The more educated we are, the better our chances of survival are. Some day, we might even be able to educate others so they'll see that we aren't some sort of monsters.

most eastern europeans like to read a lot. so they tend to be smart in their area of expertise. plus, religious people tend to be more productive and hard working, focusing on work and ethics, than messing around here and there like the people with no life. so it is really their upbringing and their culture influence.

Wow... was this discussion started to infuriate the masses? i don't think i'd add to the populations anti-semitism by adding fuel to that fire. Enough people are predisposed to hate other religions, why would you try to stir up more trouble? All i have to say about the subject is that around here, the Jews are Jewish. For good or evil... Take that any way you wish, it is certainly no more offencive than your own sentiments.

I don't think I'll agree with you here. Jewish are also people like anybody else. It's true that being a Jew is part of a historical race but we shouldn't always treat them as a whole. Everyone is an individual and this is what matters. Every individual is unique, therefore we can't attribute a quality of one individual as a quality of the whole race. I think there are several cultural and historical aspects that contribute to the Jewish nation but please don't generalize everything. They may not even like it, as I guess how it will also go with other nations.

uh, this is pretty stupid. why don't you start a discussion on "why are asians good at math?". to assume that an entire race/religious/ethnic group of people think or act a certain way is ignorant regardless of whether or not your are trying to portray them in a positive light.

I don't think Jewish people are any smarter than anyone else.

What on earth does being Jewish have to do with how intelligent someone is? Every race has their geniuses and their morons. Your arguement is seriously flawed in oh so many ways. You have done nothing but put your own intelligence in question.

As someone of Jewish heritage, I think this is really inappropriate. There are plenty of people who are of the Jewish faith who are stupid and irresponsible, just like any other race/religion.