Monday, September 29, 2025

A Joke to Start the Week - "College Orientation"

It's another Monday and time for another Joke to Start the Week. This week we're posting another joke from Dr. Jay Orlikoff, a retired dentist from Centereach, New York, a community on Long Island in Suffolk County.

After a distinguished and meritorious dental career, he is shifting his focus to telling and posting jokes on YouTube. We were fortunate to find some of his jokes and we're sharing one of the family-friendly ones with you today. 

Here's the setup: It's the first day of college and the dean is holding orientation. And then...

Enjoy!

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: More Rita Rudner from 1989 - "Odd Jobs"

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.

We've been big fans of Rita Rudner ever since she started to appear on late night TV in the 1980s.

One of the hallmarks of her comedy is that it's clean, free from the vulgarity and shouting that many stand-up comics find necessary.  Her delivery is demure, tasteful, full of wry observations, and very funny.

Rudner started her career as a dancer, then switched to stand-up comedy about her dating experiences.  She married British producer Martin Bergman 37 years ago and they have a daughter.  She is fond of Jewish humor but generally reserves it for when she performs for Jewish audiences.

Rita is 71 now and still performing in South Florida and other locations.

In this 1989 video, Rudner shares hilarious anecdotes about unusual pre-comedy jobs, from helicopter stewardess to envelope cleaner. This stand-up routine also covers the absurdities of homeownership and the perils of loaning money to friends. Enjoy a comedic journey through everyday life! 

Enjoy!

Friday, September 26, 2025

Welcoming Shabbat with Oseh Shalom by the Ramatayim Men's Choir

Late in 1995, four enthusiasts gathered in the Ramot suburb of Jerusalem, to sing choral music they recalled from synagogue services in their youth. 
 
Since then the choir has grown to 40 choristers, native Israelis and Olim from 4 continents who share a love of the great tradition of Jewish liturgical music and of singing together.
 
The choir appears regularly at concert halls and synagogues throughout Israel. Their list of approximately 250 performances includes appearances alongside some of the finest cantors in the world as well as artists in different genres. They have appeared in concert with the Israel Symphonette Orchestra on national television and radio and have also performed at the residence of the President of Israel.

The choir's repertoire consists mainly of Jewish liturgical music and includes Chassidic and Israeli songs, pop, opera and folk music. All activities are performed on a voluntary basis. They perform regularly in support of various Israeli and Jewish charitable and social causes. A distinctive feature of the choir's activity is their active collaboration with ensembles of the same genre, inaugurating and hosting joint concerts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The choir's name derives from Ramatayim-Tzofim, in the hill country of Ephraim, birthplace of Samuel the Prophet, mentioned in the Book of Samuel 1 (1:1) and associated with the suburb Ramot, Jerusalem.
 
In this video they sing Oseh Shalom, the closing sentence of the Kaddish and the Amidah. 
 
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
 

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Comedy Special: Israeli Standup Comedian Yohay Sponder - "We Become Dumber"

With over 20 years of experience, Yohay Sponder brings his unique outlook on life to the stage.  Throughout his career he has starred in multiple TV and radio shows. He produces and headlines in 'Funny Monday - Israeli Comedy in English' and has performed all over the world. 

Having gained a massive following on social media, Sponder most recently finished up a sold-out tour in Europe with his new show "Self Loving Jew". 

In June Sponder toured the USA with shows in Boston, Philadelphia, and Fort Lauderdale.

In this video clip from a recent performance, Sponder comments on how we are becoming dumber.

Enjoy!

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Wishing All of Our Readers a Shanah Tovah - Happy New Year 5786

 

Thanks to our loyal subscribers and casual readers worldwide 
who have joined us during the year.

We started Jewish Humor Central on October 5, 2009 and it's been going strong with more than 4800 blog entries and more than 12 million page views over the last 15 years.  

We appreciate your loyalty and we hope to keep bringing you a daily mix of Jewish humor in all of its forms -- traditional, eclectic, musical, unbelievable but true, and just funny, tempered with touches of nostalgia and Yiddishe nachas. 

We'll be observing Rosh Hashanah on Monday evening, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we'll be back posting again on Thursday.  Here's wishing you a happy, healthy, joyous, prosperous and funny New Year from our family to yours!

L'shanah Tovah Tikatevu v'techatemu!

Clip Art Rosh Hashanah - Rosh Hashanah Transparent, HD Png Download -  kindpng


Friday, September 19, 2025

Welcoming Shabbat with Lecha Dodi by Micha Gamerman - An Animated Video

Micha Gamerman was born in 1983 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Soon after his marriage, Micha began rabbinical studies, graduating as a Rabbi and Mohel. Currently, Micha performs Britot throughout Brazil. At the same time, Micha is an active educator for hundreds of children in the Jewish Community in São Paulo, Brazil.  

Micha grew up with the gift and art of singing. He always accompanied famous artists in the various concerts the community organized. Over the years, Micha became a sought-after singer at weddings and various events throughout the country. In recent years, encouraged by family and friends in the community, he transitioned to international music. 

His songs are hits on major Jewish music radio stations in Israel and the United States. Micha recently performed major concerts with singers Yaakov Shwekey, Ohad Moskowitz, and Itzik Dadya and appeared to packed houses at several events in Israel and beyond.

In this animated video, Micha sings a medley of Kabbalat Shabbat songs.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom! 

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Taking a Break From Humor: Charlie Kirk's Powerful Final Message on the Importance of Observing Shabbat

We're taking a one day break from jokes and humor to share with you a heartfelt and special speech by Charlie Kirk about why, although he was not Jewish, he was a devout Shabbat observer.

In this speech, Kirk shared his personal journey and deep conviction about observing the Sabbath at the Will You Be Made Whole Conference 2025. As one of his last messages, Charlie explained why taking a Shabbat—from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset—is a transformative practice that blessed his life with peace, rest, and a break from the noise of the world. 

Though no longer with us, his powerful testimony invites everyone to discover the blessing and joy of Shabbat rest, rooted in faith and God's Commandments. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Eating Possible Spoiled Food on Street Corner -- A Candid Camera Classic

Candid Camera was an American hidden camera/practical joke reality television series created and produced by Allen Funt, which initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

After a series of theatrical film shorts, also titled Candid Microphone, Funt's concept came to television on August 10, 1948, and continued into the 1970s. 

The show involved concealing cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations, sometimes involving trick props, such as a desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed or a car with a hidden extra gas tank. When the joke was revealed, victims would be told the show's catchphrase, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Peter Funt joined the show professionally in 1987 when he became a co-host with his father. During this time the show was being broadcast on the CBS television network. In 1993, Allen Funt had a serious stroke, from which he never fully recovered. This required Peter to host the show full-time. 

The show went through a few revivals. During his time on the show Peter was a producer, host and acted on the show. He also produced and hosted over 200 episodes.

In this Candid Camera classic stunt from 23 years ago, a team member stood on a street corner and offered passers-by samples of cheese that he said were possibly spoiled. Would you eat one? Surprisingly, most people didn't let the warning prevent them from eating free food.

Enjoy! 

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Shahak Shapira - Israeli Comedian Learns About Potato Crisis From His Vienna Audience


Shahak Shapira is an Israel-born, Berlin-based comedian. His comedy show on German TV got canceled so fast, most people didn’t even notice he had one. He recorded a stand up special for Comedy Central, which would have been awesome, but it was Comedy Central Germany. 

He also wrote two best sellers, which would be very impressive if this was a poetry slam. New York, Tokyo, Cape Town, Paris, London, LA, Barcelona - Shahak has successfully bamboozled audiences around the world into thinking he’s funny and even tricked world class comedians like Jim Gaffigan, Iliza Shlesinger, Maz Jobrani, Ari Shaffir and Joe List into letting him open for them. 

In this banter with his audience, Shahak gets an education about the jumping click beetle larvae attacking potatoes.

Enjoy! 

Monday, September 15, 2025

A Joke to Start the Week - "Ed's Present"

It's another Monday and time for another Joke to Start the Week. Today Mickey Greenblatt is back with another good one.

Marshal (Mickey) Greenblatt received degrees from Columbia (BA and BS in Flight Sciences), a DC from Von Karman Institute (1963) and his PhD from Princeton in Aerospace Sciences. He worked as a researcher for NASA and the Naval Research Laboratory. 

With four other scientists, he founded Fusion Systems Corporation, which invented microwave-powered UV lamps for drying coatings. He founded and served on the boards of technology companies and is active in volunteer work. He served on the executive committee of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington for many years.

Mickey also loves Jewish jokes and sent us this one to share with you. Here's the setup: Sol and Sophie are both 62 years old. They're celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in a very romantic restaurant. It's another Monday and time for another Joke to Start the Week. Today Mickey Greenblatt is back with another good one.

Marshal (Mickey) Greenblatt received degrees from Columbia (BA and BS in Flight Sciences), a DC from Von Karman Institute (1963) and his PhD from Princeton in Aerospace Sciences. He worked as a researcher for NASA and the Naval Research Laboratory. 

With four other scientists, he founded Fusion Systems Corporation, which invented microwave-powered UV lamps for drying coatings. He founded and served on the boards of technology companies and is active in volunteer work. He served on the executive committee of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington for many years.

Mickey also loves Jewish jokes and sent us this one. Here's the setup: Ed was in big trouble. He had forgotten his wedding anniversary. His wife was furious. And then...

Enjoy! 

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: Don Rickles Roasts Ronald Reagan in 1973

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central. 

Born in Queens with the name Rikhters to a Yiddish-speaking family, Don Rickles began doing stand-up comedy performing in hotels in the Catskill Mountains in New York. 

He became known as an insult comedian by responding to his hecklers. The audience enjoyed these insults more than his prepared material, and he incorporated them into his act.

Here's a segment of Rickles roasting Ronald Reagan on the Dean Martin Show in 1973 when Reagan was governor of California. Let's turn the clock back 52 years and enjoy the video clip.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Welcoming Shabbat with Yedid Nefesh by Ein Lanu Zman of Agudas Achim Congregation of Northern Virginia

Ein Lanu Zman (We Have No Time) is the name of the house band of Agudas Achim Congregation of Northern Virginia. Together with Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey they play and sing a wide variety of songs as part of Shabbat and Holiday services.

Led by Rabbi Steven Rein and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the congregation describes itself as a community built on covenantal relationships, generating the connections that bind one individual to another and one generation to the next.

Today we're welcoming Shabbat with Hazzan Dienstfrey and the band easing into the Kabbalat Shabbat service with a version of Yedid Nefesh by Josh Warshawsky.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Throwback Thursday Comedy Showcase: 72 Years Ago, Jerry Lewis Sings "Never Been Kissed"

Jerry Lewis' gift of comedy lasted about 85 years, from his stage debut at age 5 in the Catskills until his death in 2017. Over the years we have posted video clips of some of his best shtick. 

On this Throwback Thursday, we're sharing a segment of the Martin and Lewis show from 1953, when Jerry was featured in a production of the song Never Been Kissed.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Yiddish Word of the Day: Common Yiddish Exclamations

In 2020 the Forverts launched a daily series of short informal video clips called Yiddish Word of the Day.

The series, written and narrated by Forverts editor Rukhl Schaechter, aims to give non-Yiddish speakers an introduction to familiar Yiddish words and phrases and how they might be used in everyday situations. 

Schaechter, who was appointed the new editor of the Forverts in 2016, is the first woman to helm the paper in its 119-year history, its first editor to have been born in the United States, and likely its first editor who is shomeret Shabbat.


We posted the first of this series in May 2020. Now that the Forverts is continuing the series, we'll continue sharing some of the words and phrases as a regular feature of Jewish Humor Central.

Today we get to learn some common Yiddish exclamations, some consisting of only one syllable.

Enjoy!

 

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Jewish Food Showcase: Americans Try Israeli Snacks

A group of American friends sample Israeli snacks and drinks, rating each item on a scale of 1-10. 

They discuss the flavors and textures of each item, with some favorites being instant coffee, a smoky-flavored pasta snack, and a peanut butter-flavored puffed snack. 

The friends disagree on their ratings, with some finding items to be too sweet or salty while others enjoy the unique flavors. 

If you've been to Israel you probably have tasted all of these:

Elite Instant Coffee
Bissli 
Bamba 
Coke Zero  
Osem Croutons  
Wafers  
Halva

Enjoy!

Monday, September 8, 2025

A Joke to Start the Week - "Texan Visiting Israel"

It's another Monday and time for another Joke to Start the Week. This week we're posting another joke from Dr. Jay Orlikoff, a retired dentist from Centereach, New York, a community on Long Island in Suffolk County.

After a distinguished and meritorious dental career, he is shifting his focus to telling and posting jokes on YouTube. We were fortunate to find some of his jokes and we're sharing one of the family-friendly ones with you today. 

Here's the setup: A Texan is visiting Israel. He's driving down the road and he stops at a house and knocks on the door. The Israeli comes to the door. And then...

Enjoy!

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: Alan King on Married Life in 1965

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.

Alan King (1927-2004) was synonymous with classic Jewish comedy during his career which lasted about 50 years starting in 1955. He had roles in many movies, but we remember him most vividly for his stand-up comedy routines in the Catskills and on television.

King began his comedy career with one-liner routines and other material concerning mothers-in-law and Jews. King's style of comedy changed when he saw Danny Thomas performing in the early 1950s. He realized that Thomas was talking to his audience, not at them, and was getting a better response. King changed his own style from one-liners to a more conversational style that used everyday life for humor. His comedy inspired other comedians such as Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Billy Crystal, Robert Klein, and Bill Cosby.

In one of his earliest appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965, with his wife and two sons in the audience, King talks about married life.

Enjoy! 

Friday, September 5, 2025

Welcoming Shabbat with L'cha Dodi by Cantor Abbie Strauss

Cantor Abbie Strauss is a renowned composer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist, with her works being enjoyed worldwide. 

Abbie founded the music school, The Institute of Jewish Rock and Judaism: Inside Out, driven by her desire to bring all people together as one in love and joy through music. She is a proud member of the Grammy's Recording Academy and an advocate for the arts.

Abbie is a Cantorial Soloist at Temple Judea, a Reform congregation in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where her husband, Feivel Strauss is a rabbi.

In today's video, she sings a lively version of L'cha Dodi.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom! 

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Is Superman Jewish? His Creators Were

Before he became the world’s greatest superhero, Superman was a villainous, bald telepath bent on world domination.

But his transformation into the iconic protector of justice was shaped by two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland, whose lives of poverty and prejudice gave birth to the ultimate immigrant success story.

Superman's roots, like those of his creators, are a story of struggle, resilience, and the power of reinvention.

The story of how Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster used their imagination to create Superman. His origin story, and theirs, is told on the Unpacked website.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Israeli Comedy Showcase: Shahar Hason Standup Comedy Mocks Eurovision Song Choices

Shahar Hasson is one of the leading stand-up comedians in Israel, appearing on Israeli stages for over 25 years, He is a graduate of Yoram Levinstein's acting school. 

Shahar is an entertainer who paved his way through the best entertainment programs in Israel: Eretz Nehederet, Zahirut TV, TV at its best, Laughter from Work, Limited Edition, Fun Night, Express Hearts and more.

In this performance before a live audience, Shahar takes a deep dive into the  Eurovision song contest, mocking some of the choices by Estonia and Italy and praising the hopeful Israeli entry, "New Day Will Rise" as performed by Yuval Raphael.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Musical Showcase: Ludmila Shapira Sings ABBA's Pop Hit "The Winner Takes it All" in Yiddish

"The Winner Takes It All" was a major success for ABBA, hitting No. 1 in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom. It reached the Top 5 in Austria, Finland, France, West Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. 

It peaked in the Top 10 in Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain and the United States (where it became ABBA's fourth and final American Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 8. The song spent 26 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, more than any other ABBA single).

The song was performed in many languages, so why not in Yiddish? Singer and song collector Ludmila Shapira took up the challenge and created a music video with Yiddish lyrics by Lenny Misikoff.

Enjoy!

Monday, September 1, 2025

A Joke to Start the Week - "The Psychic Daughter"

It's another Monday and time for another Joke to Start the Week. Today Mickey Greenblatt is back with another good one.

Marshal (Mickey) Greenblatt received degrees from Columbia (BA and BS in Flight Sciences), a DC from Von Karman Institute (1963) and his PhD from Princeton in Aerospace Sciences. He worked as a researcher for NASA and the Naval Research Laboratory. 

With four other scientists, he founded Fusion Systems Corporation, which invented microwave-powered UV lamps for drying coatings. He founded and served on the boards of technology companies and is active in volunteer work. He served on the executive committee of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington for many years.

Mickey also loves Jewish jokes and sent us this one to share with you. Here's the setup:  The father tucked in his 3-year-old daughter, told her a story, and then it was time for her prayers. She said "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless grandma and goodbye grandpa." And then...

Enjoy! 

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Sunday Standup Comedy Showcase: Rita Rudner on Stage in 1989

Some of the best standup comedy was on TV shows and comedy specials in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Today we continue our Sunday Standup series, sharing some of the classic routines by iconic comedians on Sunday editions of Jewish Humor Central.

We've been big fans of Rita Rudner ever since she started to appear on late night TV in the 1980s.

One of the hallmarks of her comedy is that it's clean, free from the vulgarity and shouting that many stand-up comics find necessary.  Her delivery is demure, tasteful, full of wry observations, and very funny.

Rudner started her career as a dancer, then switched to stand-up comedy about her dating experiences.  She married British producer Martin Bergman 37 years ago and they have a daughter.  She is fond of Jewish humor but generally reserves it for when she performs for Jewish audiences.

Rita is 71 now and still performing in South Florida and other locations.

In this piece from 1989, Rita Rudner's stand-up comedy is focused on relationships, family and herself with one-liners and stories delivered in her unique matter-of-fact way that has made her an audience favorite.

Enjoy!

Friday, August 29, 2025

Welcoming Shabbat with L'cha Dodi by Rick Recht at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis

Rick Recht is one of the top touring musicians in Jewish music playing over 150 dates each year in the US and abroad.

Rick has revolutionized and elevated the genre of Jewish rock music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish pride and identity in youth and adults across the US. 

Rick is the national celebrity spokesman for the PJ Library and is the Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp – a national songleader training immersion program held in various cities around the U.S.

Rick and his band have played at literally hundreds of URJ, Ramah, JCC and private camps around the country.  Rick has been featured in concert and as scholar in residence at the NFTY, BBYO, and USY International conventions, the URJ Biennial, the American Conference of Cantors, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Jewish communities across the US.   Rick has 13 top selling Jewish albums including his most recent release, Halleluyah.

Let's welcome this Shabbat with Rick singing L'cha Dodi at A Friday night service at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Throwback Thursday Musical Showcase: The Barry Sisters Sing "Ev'ry Street's a Boulevard" in1965

For almost half a century, from the 1930s to 1976, The Barry Sisters, Claire and Merna, were the voice of Jewish jazz in recordings, nightclub acts, and television appearances on The Jack Paar Show, The Tonight Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Born in the Bronx to Yiddish speaking immigrants from Kiev, Clara and Minnie Bagelman started out in show business using their real names as The Bagelman Sisters, but after awhile, Clara became Claire, Minnie became Merna, and Bagelman became Barry. They performed songs in nine languages.

Looking glamorous and sparing no expense for their orchestrations, they sang to a full house at the Concord and other Catskills resorts.

In this Throwback Thursday special, Claire and Merna perform "Ev'ry Street's a Boulevard", on The Ed Sullivan Show. The song was written by Jule Styne and Bob Hilliard. It was featured in the 1954 movie Living It Up.

Enjoy!

 
  #Throwback Thursday        #TBT