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.