Comedy Showcase: Comedian Modi on Generational Differences and Trader Joe's

Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and BackStage, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. 

Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC.Comedy Central, Howard Stern and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in the New York Times, Time Out NY and the New York Post.

 

Born in Israel, MODI moved to the United States when he was seven.  After college, MODI worked as an investment banker and had no plans to become a stand up comedian.   But one open mic changed everything.

In this performance at the Comedy Cellar in New York's Greenwich Village, Modi gives his impressions of the way millennials speak and his experience in shopping at Trader Joe's.

 

Enjoy! 

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld Watches Gentiles on Television

There are comedians who happen to be Jewish, and then there are Jewish comedians. In his YouTube special, Know Your Audience, Modi solidifies himself as the former; wielding his unique blend of observational comedy and hilarious insights to shine a light on an often-insular community.

Having performed for Jewish organizations and causes all over the globe, Modi’s unique vantage point lends a birds-eye view of what it means to be Jewish in today’s day and age.

Modi’s performance represents a modern interpretation of the Borscht-belt comedians who came before him. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Mason and Alan King, Modi’s larger-than-life stage presence sends a clear message: be true to your audience and the rest will follow.

In this video clip from Know Your Audience, Modi tells us how he enjoys television programs about Gentiles, especially The Crown.

Enjoy!

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld on How to Become Jewish

There are comedians who happen to be Jewish, and then there are Jewish comedians. In his YouTube special, Know Your Audience, Modi solidifies himself as the former; wielding his unique blend of observational comedy and hilarious insights to shine a light on an often-insular community.

Having performed for Jewish organizations and causes all over the globe, Modi’s unique vantage point lends a birds-eye view of what it means to be Jewish in today’s day and age.

Modi’s performance represents a modern interpretation of the Borscht-belt comedians who came before him. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Mason and Alan King, Modi’s larger-than-life stage presence sends a clear message: be true to your audience and the rest will follow. 

In this hilarious video clip from Know Your Audience, Modi skewers anti-semitism and gives advice to Gentiles who want to become Jewish. Along the way he gives his own funny spin on some Jewish and Christian religious practices.

Enjoy!

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld on How Jewish People Love Fundraisers

There are comedians who happen to be Jewish, and then there are Jewish comedians. In his YouTube special, Know Your Audience, Modi solidifies himself as the former; wielding his unique blend of observational comedy and hilarious insights to shine a light on an often-insular community.

Having performed for Jewish organizations and causes all over the globe, Modi’s unique vantage point lends a birds-eye view of what it means to be Jewish in today’s day and age.

Modi’s performance represents a modern interpretation of the Borscht-belt comedians who came before him. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Mason and Alan King, Modi’s larger-than-life stage presence sends a clear message: be true to your audience and the rest will follow. 

In this video clip from Know Your Audience, Modi explains how Jewish people love fundraisers and how he is always booked for some levity in the midst of a charity event for a dreaded disease.

Enjoy!

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld on How Shabbat Elevators Started World War II

There are comedians who happen to be Jewish, and then there are Jewish comedians. In his debut special, Modi solidifies himself as the former; wielding his unique blend of observational comedy and hilarious insights to shine a light on an often-insular community in his comedy special Know Your Audience.

Having performed for Jewish organizations and causes all over the globe, Modi’s unique vantage point lends a birds-eye view of what it means to be Jewish in today’s day and age.

Modi’s performance represents a modern interpretation of the Borscht-belt comedians who came before him. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Mason and Alan King, Modi’s larger-than-life stage presence sends a clear message: be true to your audience and the rest will follow. 

In this video clip from Know Your Audience, Modi explains how the Shabbat elevator was responsible for starting World War II. 

Enjoy!

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld on The Hamptons (The Real Hamptons and Westhampton)

Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought-after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY, and The New York Post. 

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. 

After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs. 

Here's Modi with an excerpt from one of his standup shows where he makes fun of the Hamptons and Westhampton.

The Hamptons are a popular summer destination for wealthy New Yorkers and celebrities. The area is known for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and luxury lifestyle. The Hamptons are made up of the towns of Southampton and East Hampton, and include many villages and hamlets. 

Some say the Hamptons are a haven for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. The area has a variety of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, and some restaurants transform into nightclubs with parties that can last into the morning. The Hamptons are also home to a notable art scene with fine art museums. 

 

Westhampton has a large Jewish population.

 

Enjoy!

Laughter Among the Tears: Standup Comedian Modi Rosenfeld Finds a Funny Angle on Missions to Israel in Wartime

The war started by Hamas when they invaded Israel on October 7 of last year was only a few days old when Jewish groups, including synagogues, JCCs, and just small groups of Jews embarked on trips to Israel to offer support to the embattled state.

At first these journeys were welcomed with open arms by Israeli soldiers and civilians alike, as they contributed to a struggling economy with financial and material help.

But as the number of visits kept increasing, it didn't take long for the Jewish inclination to find humor even in humorless situations emerge, especially when developed and delivered by accomplished Jewish standup comedians.

Modi Rosenfeld, known professionally as Modi, has found a funny angle to comment on these Israel trips, generally described as missions.

In this appearance on stage, Modi focuses on missions by wealthy Jewish women from suburban communities, clad in the latest designer fashions, as they overstate the benefits of their visits and struggle to communicate with soldiers who don't speak a word of English.

Enjoy!

 

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld on Bringing Light to Dark Times

On June 18 ILTV's Maayan Hoffman met with comedian Modi Rosenfeld to talk about his effort to bring laughter to Israelis during such difficult times. 

Modi reflected on the importance of taking time out of praying and helping with the war to pause for laughter, and then return to the serious business of helping Israel. 

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Comedian Modi Rosenfeld is Interviewed on Israeli TV and Tells His Favorite Jewish Joke

Modi Rosenfeld is one of our favorite Jewish comedians. We've been following his career and shtick ever since we started Jewish Humor Central in 2009. Whether it's his standup comedy or clever skits and short films, he always leaves us laughing.

Modi is making waves in the New York stand-up scene, embracing and making light of his Israeli background, and sharing his Jewish humor on social media. Last month he was interviewed on Israeli TV. He talked about his background, growing up in Long Island, and how he relates to different audiences.

He also told one of his favorite Jewish jokes.

Enjoy!

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Comedy Special: Modi Rosenfeld on Easter and Passover

Modi Rosenfeld is one of our favorite young comedians and we've posted many of his stand-up comedy routines and skits. 

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi Rosenfeld moved to New York City with his family when he was 7. Before entering comedy, he was a Wall Street international banker. He now goes solely by the name Modi and is known for creating accents and characters.

Modi has a wide range of funny persona. Sometimes he appears as a Chasid in full black dress, other times as a typical Jewish stand-up comic, and others as a non-denominational general comedian. In this video clip, an excerpt from his new show, Know Your Audience, Modi shares some funny observations about Easter and Passover.

Enjoy!

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Modi Rosenfeld at the 92nd Street Y - "How I Became a Comedian"

In a special interview in February at the 92nd Street Y, we step into the world of stand-up comedian Modi who is joined by author, comedian, and co-host of his podcast, Periel Aschenbrand as they navigate the complexities of finding light and joy in the midst of rising tensions and antisemitism. 

In an excerpt from the interview, Modi shares the story of how he left the world of finance to start a career as a comedian.

Click here to see the full hour interview.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Comedian Modi Skewers College Presidents as if They are Analyzing Talmud Text

Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi Rosenfeld is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.

In this video clip from a comedy club stand-up appearance, Modi delivers a parody of the college presidents answering congressional questions about anti-semitism on campus. Mocking their personal appearance, he then likens their answers to the way Yeshiva students would analyze a Talmud text with commentary from Rashi and other sources.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Comedy Showcase: Modi on Refugees at Comedy Cellar

We can't seem to get enough of Modi and his standup comedy appearances. Here's one from 2016 that we missed until we discovered it today.

In this video clip from his standup set at the Comedy Cellar, Modi carries on about the refugee situation in his usual politically incorrect way.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Comedy Special: Modi Comments on His Genetic Results from "23 and Me"

23 and Me is an at-home genetic testing service that delivers a report showing a person's ancestry by percentages.

Comedian Modi sent a sample to 23 and Me to reveal his ancestry. Here's his report on the findings, as described in a stand-up act at the Comedy Cellar in New York last year.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO. 

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld's Hilarious Parody of Synagogue Dinners

If you've ever attended a shul dinner, and you've probably attended lots of them, you have likely suffered through countless speeches by legions of honorees and recipients of plaques, cups, and certificates.  

Whether it's it's a Dor l'Dor, Leadership, Young Couples Group or other honor, each honoree is obliged to tell bad jokes and offer endless thanks to the chairs of the awards and dinner committees (and their co-chairs).

Comedian Modi Rosenfeld is often asked to perform at the end of these dinner speeches and he is a keen observer of the shul dinners. In this video, captured at a 2019 dinner of the Park East Synagogue in New York City, Modi skewers the whole dinner scene with a hilarious parody of the speeches of typical honorees.

Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.

Comedy Special: Stand-up Comedian Modi on Ashkenazi Baby Naming

Modi Rosenfeld is one of our favorite young comedians and we've posted many of his stand-up comedy routines and skits. 

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi Rosenfeld moved to New York City with his family when he was 7. Before entering comedy, he was a Wall Street international banker. He now goes solely by the name Modi and is known for creating accents and characters.

He has made many appearances at the Just for Laughs festival, an annual summer event in Montreal and at comedy clubs around the world. In this video at the Funny Bone comedy club in Columbus, Ohio., Modi rants about the ways Ashkenazi Jews name their babies.

Modi has a wide range of funny persona. Sometimes he appears as a Chasid in full black dress, other times as a typical Jewish stand-up comic, and others as a non-denominational general comedian. This video shows him without any ethnic attributes. Any way we look at it, we think he's funny.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO. 

Comedy Special: Comedian Modi on Hatzalah (Jewish Volunteer Ambulance) at The Laugh Factory

In June comedian Modi Rosenfeld put on a show at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. Modi is a regular at stand-up comedy venues around the world. 

We love his humor and we've posted many of his comedy sketches since starting Jewish Humor Central 13 years ago.

In this clip from The Laugh Factory show, Modi takes on the Hatzalah Jewish volunteer ambulance service.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.  

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special: Modi at His Best in Montreal

Modi Rosenfeld is one of our favorite young comedians and we've posted many of his stand-up comedy routines and skits. 

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi Rosenfeld moved to New York City with his family when he was 7. Before entering comedy, he was a Wall Street international banker. He now goes solely by the name Modi and is known for creating accents and characters.

He has made many appearances at the Just for Laughs festival, an annual summer event in Montreal. In this video clip, Modi tells about his trip on Lufthansa to Munich for a comedy performance, and also reveals the number one way to pick up women.

Modi has a wide range of funny persona. Sometimes he appears as a Chasid in full black dress, other times as a typical Jewish stand-up comic, and others as a non-denominational general comedian. This video shows him without any ethnic attributes. Any way we look at it, we think he's funny.

Enjoy!

A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:  THE VIDEO IS NOT VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO. 

Comedy Special: Yoely on the Meghan Markle Mishegas

We've been following the career and shtick of comedian Modi Rosenfeld ever since we started Jewish Humor Central in 2009. Whether it's his standup comedy or clever skits and short films, he always leaves us laughing. With comedy clubs closed during the coronavirus lockdowns, Modi has had to find new ways of reaching his audience.

As Brianna Kovit wrote in the Long Island Press, 

Since 1999 when he left his position as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch to pursue comedy full time, Modi has been constantly booked for shows across the country.

Like many performers right now, the stay-at-home order has forced Modi to remain home in New York City for longer than he has in the last 20 years. Without a face-to-face audience, Modi has turned to social media to fuel his creativity and engage with his followers.

Modi’s breakout quarantine success came from a new character he created called “Yoely.” In this character, Modi appealed to his niche Jewish following with a comedic take on a Hasidic man reacting to mainstream trends while in quarantine.

With a new administration in place in Washington, Yoely has been appointed (or appointed himself) as Secretary of Simcha, In that role, Yoely has reacted to the Oprah Winfrey interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Here's his take on the Meghan Markle Mishegas.

Enjoy!

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Wacky Wednesday Comedy Corner: Nir, the Know-it-All Israeli, on Dealing with an American Wife

Modi Rosenfeld, who does stand-up comedy as Modi, has developed a cast of characters whom he inhabits and whose persona he assumes for our enjoyment. One of his characters is Yoely, the Chasid who ran for president last year on the Heimishe Party line and whose campaign videos we shared with you.

His most recent character is the Israeli know-it-all named Nir (not far) who has opinions on just about everything. Whenever he mentions an Israeli name, he always puts it in a funny context, likening it to an English expression. For example, when he mentions his friend Oded, he interjects (alive or dead).

We found a collection of his Israeli insights into the complexities of life in America, and we'll bring them to you from time to time. Today Nir (not far) explains why Israeli men shouldn't bother teaching Hebrew to their American wives.

Enjoy!

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