you don't have to be jewish to love levy's poster

Levy’s Real Jewish Rye Bread challenged societal misconceptions in 1971 with an unforgettable ad campaign. At the forefront of the campaign was a memorable slogan: “You Don’t Have to Be Jewish to Love Levy’s.” Accenting the intended message of delectable flavor, an image of a smiling African American man contentedly eating a slice of rye bread evoked a powerful statement – Levy’s bread was something that everyone could cherish, regardless of faith.

Levy’s eyecatching advertising was a tremendous success, with their catchy slogan making the rounds among the public. The ad was so beloved that it even inspired a Saturday Night Live parody skit.

Despite the ad campaign’s overall success, certain individuals were not content with its choice of slogan. Though there had been progress on the discrimination front, certain Jewish groups argued that the ad suggested a lack of satisfaction with Judaism, essentially implying that Jews should be thankful for being accepted by others.

For some, especially those from African American backgrounds, this promotion was not seen in a favorable light. They contended that it kept alive the misconception of the “grateful black person”, implying that they were satisfied with whatever they had.

Despite the mixed reactions, the “You Don’t Have to Be Jewish to Love Levy’s” advertisement stirred up an immense success that still resonates with many today. To this day, the ad remains one of the most renowned and epitomic commercials of all time.

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