Jewish lightning

Posted by ESC on September 13, 2008 at 22:00

In Reply to: Jewish lightning posted by Rachel on September 11, 2008 at 14:49:

: Where did the phrase "Jewish lightning" originate as a euphemism for arson to collect insurance payment?

Here's all I found.

Jewish/Greek lightning -- 20th century. Deliberate arson in order to gain the insurance on an otherwise unprofitable business. Cassell's Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green (Wellington House, London, 1998). Page 662.