Biblical Rubber Ducks

Cute article about religion-themed games and toys:

The "crazy, crazy Jewish fun" of KosherLand looks a lot like the board game Candy Land, except gefilte fishing substitutes for visits to the Ice Cream Sea.

...And playtime can get pretty realistic with the Biblical Action Figure of Job, which comes complete with boils.

The market for religious board games and toys like these is tiny and a bit quirky. But sales numbers indicate that demand is growing as families seek wholesome entertainment, selections expand and the Internet gives greater access to retailers.

Abe Blumberger of Jewish Educational Toys says people are much more willing to buy religious toys since he helped create KosherLand in 1985. His game is now offered on UrbanOutfitters.com.

I guess the explanation behind the game being carried by such a mainstream yet edgy(ish) purveyor is that it falls into the category of some of the other kitschy religious items that the store stocks. These seemingly niche playthings are apparently all the rage among the hipster denizens of Urban Outfitters - like the Moses Rubber Duckie at left (also comes in Buddha, Jesus, and Mother Superior versions!), or the Buddha Piggy Bank.

As amusing as I find this trend, I don't see myself buying my kids the Job Biblical Action Figure any time soon.