Jewish Humor Central is a daily publication to start your day with news of the Jewish world that's likely to produce a knowing smile and some Yiddishe nachas. It's also a collection of sources of Jewish humor--anything that brings a grin, chuckle, laugh, guffaw, or just a warm feeling to readers.
Our posts include jokes, satire, books, music, films, videos, food, Unbelievable But True, and In the News. Some are new, and some are classics. We post every morning, Sunday through Friday. Enjoy!
This week we welcome Shabbat with Ana b'Cho'ach, a liturgical poem from the Kabbalat Shabbat service that appears in the siddur just before Lecha Dodi. It's a Kabbalistic prayer composed by Rav Nehunia Ben Hakannah. This is a classic version sung by Deborah Yudelewicz.
Known
as the 42-letter Name of God, Ana b'Cho'ach is a unique formula
built of 42 letters written in seven sentences of six words each. Each
of the seven sentences correspond to the seven days of the week, seven
specific angels, and to a particular heavenly body. The letters that
make up Ana b'Cho'ach are encoded within the first 42 letters of the book of Genesis.
The
kabbalists explain that this combination of letters takes us back to
the time of Creation, and each time we meditate on a particular
sequence, we return to the original uncorrupted energy that built the
world. By performing the Ana b'Cho'ach meditation, we enrich our lives with unadulterated spiritual Light and positive energy.
The Hebrew text and translation appear below the video.
Omer Adam is an Israeli singer whose music fuses elements of eastern Mizrahi music (Oriental-Middle Eastern) and Western Pop instrumentation. In 2023, Ynetnews named Adam "Israel's most famous singer".
He is Israel's most successful singer of all time, with over 1.4 million
views collectively on YouTube, and the most listened singer in Israel
for the past four consecutive years on Spotify and Apple, reaching
millions of streams. No other Israeli artist has ever achieved such
numbers.
This same applies to his concerts –tickets are sold-out within minutes, creating an endless demand.
In 2019, Adam said that he turned down an offer to appear at that year's Eurovision contest since it would involve working on Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath). While Adam is not traditionally observant, he has made a point in his career of refusing to work on Shabbat.
In this video, Adam sings Ana Bekoach, part of the Kabbalat Shabbat Friday evening service, at a sold out concert in Israel.
The Shvesters (Chava Levi and Polina Fradkin) are a Yiddish vocal duo
hailing originally from Detroit, Michigan. They gained a reputation on
social media for their perfectly synchronized voices (and signature
matching outfits) — and have won the hearts of audiences from all
backgrounds. The Shvesters transform classic Yiddish melodies into sophisticated, contemporary harmonic jazz arrangements.
V'shamru is a verse from the Torah that emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath. The text of the blessing is taken from the Book of Exodus (Exodus 31:16-17) and is recited as follows:
“V’shamru v’nai Yisrael et haShabbat, la’asot et haShabbat l’dorotam brit olam."
In English, this translates to:
“The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. Between Me and the children of Israel, it is a sign forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”
Tonight we welcome another Shabbat. It's a special one because it falls on Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of Passover.
Cantor Thom King of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland has come up with a unique rendition of Shalom Aleichem, sung to the tune of Ma Nishtana.
Enjoy, Shabbat Shalom, and Moadim L'Simcha.
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Rabotai (meaning gentlemen) is a fresh and exciting Jewish a cappella
group comprised of energetic vocal talent and professional beatboxing.
Coming from different corners of the world, its members found each other
in Israel, where they are rapidly becoming a sought after group to
entertain audiences big and small. They specialize in mixing classical Jewish songs with
modern pop.
Today we're sharing a medley of songs from the Kabbalat Shabbat Friday night service by the Rabotai singers.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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The Miami Boys Choir experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2022, owing to the establishment of a TikTok
account that posts clips of the
group performing. One clip, a recording of 4 soloists performing
an arrangement of Psalms 125:2
(Yerushalayim) has accrued over 9.1 million views as of October 8.
While the group was formed in Miami Beach, Florida, after releasing the first few albums, director Yerachmiel Begun moved the choir to New York.
Although he retained the "Miami" in the name of the group, subsequent
albums were released with boys primarily from the New York/New Jersey area.
In this video, the Miami Boys Choir sings Adon Olam.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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The soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces were children a few short years ago and now these brave boys and girls are defending the state of Israel.
In November 2021 Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF sang a prayer written by the Tzohar rabbinical organization, composed by Sol Zim, with musical arrangement, conducting and production by Ofir Sobol. The video shows the new soldiers boarding buses to their IDF bases.
Here are the lyrics, in English and Hebrew:
Master of All Worlds, the King to whom peace belongs, On this day on which we escort our child to serve the Jewish People and All Who Dwell In Israel through army service, we throw before You our pleas that You will spread Your canopy of peace upon him/ her and upon all soldiers of the IDF.
Grant them the energy, agility, and joy to fulfill the commandment, “the help of Israel from the hands of enemies,” and give them courage, insight, and strength. Protect them from all danger or peril, injury or obstacle, and return them to their homes and families safe and whole, in body and in spirit, and through them may the verse be fulfilled: “It is G-d who girds me with valor, who makes my path perfect”. And may it be manifest through our son/daughter and through all of the IDF: ”G-d will protect you from all evil, He will protect your being; G-d will protect your comings and goings from now through eternity”. Amen.
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Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein is the current Chief Rabbi of South Africa and
a global Jewish leader.
Affectionately referred to as ‘Chief’ and a ‘spiritual entrepreneur’ he
has launched and led a number of innovative social projects with global
reach and impact.
The youngest person to ever be elected to the
position, Chief Rabbi Goldstein is a strong advocate for creative,
proactive leadership and effective partnership to find unique solutions
to the challenges of our time.
On October 9 Rabbi Goldstein led his Johannesburg congregation in the Acheinu prayer for the redemption of the civilians and soldiers who have been captured.
As
for our brothers, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to
trouble or captivity, whether they abide on the sea or on the dry land:
May the All-present have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from distress to relief, from darkness to light, and from subjection
to redemption, now speedily and at a near time.
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In times of sadness and anger, it's comforting and inspirational to see examples of the Jewish community uniting in solidarity.
Such a moment took place this week at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem when a two-year-old child from Chabad stood on a chair in the presence of a group of IDF soldiers and led them in reciting the Sh'ma and an excerpt from the Passover Haggadah.
In this video clip you can see the child leading and the soldiers responding to the Sh'ma and to the first sentence from this paragraph in the Haggadah:
In each and every generation, a person is obligated to see himself as if he left Egypt, as it is stated (Exodus 13:8); "For the sake of this, did the Lord do [this] for me in my going out of Egypt." Not only our ancestors did the Holy One, blessed be He, redeem, but rather also us [together] with them did he redeem, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:23); "And He took us out from there, in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He swore unto our fathers."
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We've become big fans of Shulem Lemmer after spending a Shabbat with him in Delray Beach a couple of years ago when he was the star of a concert at Anshei Emuna Congregation.
Shulem Lemmer is the most recent rising star
of the Jewish musical tradition that has been intertwined in the life,
faith, and culture of the Jewish people throughout their history.
Whether it's prayers, psalms, or contemporary classics, this youthful
Brooklyn tenor finds in music something rich and affirming, an endeavor
that makes the soul soar and the spirit rise and speaks to the human
condition.
Shulem is as comfortable with Broadway show tunes as he is with Chassidic music. As we continue to focus on the challenges that Israel faces in Gaza, let's apply the sentiments expressed in Bring Him Home from Les Miserables -- a hope that all soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces accomplish their mission and return home safely.
Shulem will be performing live in concert again at Anshei Emuna Congregation in Delray Beach, Florida on Tuesday night, January 23, 2004. We'll be there and if you're planning to be in South Florida in January, we'll see you there.
A
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This week we welcome Shabbat with an original adaptation of V'Shamru by Leah Shoshanah. The song is an integral part of the Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Leah Shoshanah is a Chicago-based singer, songwriter & Jewish musician whose soulful, original music deftly navigates the folk, funk, rock and jazz genres. Shoshanah’s original music takes on a life of its own and has inspired audiences to sit spellbound, sing together, laugh, cry and dance.
Shoshanah has played on historic stages in Chicago, like the Old Town School of Folk Music, PianoForte, Martyrs’ and the Green Mill. She has played to audiences of thousands on tour in Germany, put on cabaret-style solo acts in underground neighborhood theaters, led musical meditations, and helped individuals and communities move through loss and celebrate life.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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Today we continue the observance
of Tisha B'Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, which ends tonight.
It's a day of fasting and reading from the Book of Lamentations, which
describes the sad state of the Holy Temple and the city of Jerusalem after its
destruction in 586 B.C.E. by the Babylonians.
At the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem today, the contrast is striking. On
Tisha B'Av, thousands of residents and visitors find their way to join the
throngs who recite Lamentations but also sing songs of hope and prayer.
Yesterday we shared the singing of Acheinu, a prayer for our brothers in
trouble or in captivity. Today we post a video of a throng at the Kotel singing
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Last month we welcomed Shabbat with bluegrass versions of Shalom Aleichem and Lecha Dodi
by David Sasso and the Boston-based Jacob's Ladder bluegrass group. The
popularity of those selections encouraged us to follow up this Shabbat
with their version of Yedid Nefesh, another song that we sing on Friday night.
David Sasso has composed a number of works on Jewish themes. Beyond chamber
works from his college years, David has recently composed a choral
setting of modern poetry on biblical themes and two setting for soprano
and piano of Yiddish poems, including his own Yiddish translation of
Wordsworth’s “Daffodils.”
In 2023, David traveled to the island of St.
Thomas to participate in a collaboration with local musician and fellow
Interlochen Arts Camp alum Gylchris Sprauve, celebrating the many
musical heritages of the US Virgin Islands, including David’s own
personal ancestry in St. Thomas and his heritage of Sephardic Jewish
music.
Also in 2023, David teamed up with Boston-based Jewish bluegrass group, Jacob’s Ladder, to record selections from his bluegrass setting of the traditional Friday night Shabbat liturgy, Sasson v’Simcha - Joy and Delight. This
service was dedicated to David’s parents, Rabbis Dennis and Sandy
Sasso, and premiered in May 2023 at the retirement celebration of Rabbi
Dennis Sasso at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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Itay Ben David was born in Jerusalem with music in his soul. Enthralled by music
from a young age, he convinced his friends to take music lessons to form
his first band. He’s since gone on to tour around the globe with some
of the most prominent Israeli and European acts as both a singer and
musician.
Currently based in Los Angeles and performing around
the world, Itay brings new meaning and life to audiences as he shares
the songs inside his soul. As a solo act or alongside a band of up to
twelve, Itay incorporates nuances and flavors from his time spent
touring the world.
Join us in welcoming Shabbat tonight with Lecha Dodi, as sung by Itay Benda.
Two weeks ago, Cantor Jacob Agar, the cantor of Congregation Beth Sholom in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, sang Lecha Dodi to the tune of Hotel California. The synagogue, also known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Synagogue for its architect and designer, is a National Historic Landmark.
Cantor Agar received his cantorial investiture at the H.L Miller
Cantorial School at Jewish Theological Seminary of New York. Previously
he studied opera performance and linguistics at SUNY Purchase College.
Following conservatory, he sang with several opera companies in New York
and New Jersey, and has worked with a wide variety of conductors.
Cantor Agar is also a composer and arranger and is inspired by a wide
variety of music. He was inspired to become a cantor by his love for
Judaism, Jewish music, and his interest in using music to uplift people
and bring them closer to Judaism. His goal is to use music to elevate
people spiritually and to help them find comfort and solace at
synagogue.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
A
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Udi Ullmann's latest music video Lecha Dodi: Different But United lets us experience what Shabbat prep and celebration looks and feels like as Udi takes us on a magical musical journey through the ages as we see what true unity looks like.
The video, produced by Meir Kay, sets the words of Lecha Dodi to the music of Country Roads and Sweet Caroline.
Udi Ullmann is one of the rising superstars on Jewish horizon and has released four successful albums and working on his fifth. He exploded onto Jewish music scene with his debut album Aguda Achat.
It became one of the fastest selling recordings by a new star in
recent memory. Since then Udi was the only Israeli Chassidic singer who
won the title of “Chassidic singer of the year” for two successive years.
Udi has performed in England, France, Austria, Belgium, Holland,
Lithuania, Australia, South Africa and the USA and has performed in
concerts with the greatest Jewish singers in the world.
Udi is also known for his ability as a chazzan to inspire the
congregation to sing together and have an inspiring Tefila. He is
invited around the world for Chazanut concerts and Shabbat services.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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Shulem Lemmer, known professionally simply as "Shulem," is an American
Belz Hasidic singer from Borough Park, Brooklyn, in New York City. He is
the first born-and-raised Haredi Jew to sign a major record contract
with a leading label, Universal Music Group, under its classical music
Decca Gold imprint.
Before becoming a full-time singer, Lemmer was marketing director at a
technology firm start-up based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He also works
as a cantor during the High Holidays at Congregation Ahavath Torah, a
Modern Orthodox synagogue in Englewood, New Jersey.
In this video posted by Adam Greenbaum on YouTube, Shulem sings Ana Bekoach, a short prayer in the Kabbalat Shabbat Friday night service.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
A
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This evening we welcome Shabbat with Oseh Shalom Bimromav,
a phrase that appears many times in the Shabbat services. It is sung by
the Zimriyah Choir of Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego. The words, in Hebrew, English, and in transliteration, appear at the bottom of the screen.
Congregation Beth Israel, the historic center of Jewish life in San
Diego, is an inclusive Reform congregation that offers a warm welcome
and a nurturing home to all who seek a meaningful and enduring
connection to Judaism.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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In Israel, the priestly blessing takes
place daily in every synagogue across the country. But twice a year,
once during Passover and once during Sukkot, a mass priestly blessing is
held at the Western Wall.
This gathering of tens of thousands
became tradition following its initiation by Rabbi Menachem Mendel
Gafner during the War of Attrition. He thought of the impact and power
the priestly blessing holds, even following the destruction of the
temples, and decided to offer both kohanim and others to partake in this
meaningful experience en masse during a period that was very difficult
in the State of Israel.
Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel is something
very worth attending at least once. Provided you aren’t bothered by
very large crowds, join the tens of thousands of people who attend this
event annually and receive the historic blessing from hundreds of Jews
of priestly lineage as they face the congregation, hands stretched
forward, chanting in one voice.
This was the scene yesterday morning at the Kotel as Jerusalem residents and visitors came together to receive the blessing of the Kohanim on the third day of Sukkot, the first day of Chol Hamoed.
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Beit
Tefilah Israeli (BTI) is a fast-growing community in Tel Aviv that is
renewing and revitalizing the notion of prayer. Services at BTI combine
live music, modern poetry and literature with the traditional prayer
book.
In recent years BTI became famous for its Summer Kabbalat Shabbat
service at the Tel Aviv port, which attracts up to 800 worshippers each
week. This phenomenon—attracting many secular Israelis who once felt
marginalized by the Jewish community—is now being replicated in
Jerusalem and throughout Israel.
Today
we welcome Shabbat with the BTI version of Lecha Dodi, a liturgical
poem from the Kabbalat Shabbat service, recorded last week in Tel Aviv.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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Just Published: The Kustanowitz Kronikle - 35 Years of Purim Parody
Every Purim for the past 35 years we have published a Purim parody edition of The Kustanowitz Kronikle, covering virtually every aspect of Jewish life, and including parodies of hundreds of popular movies. This year we decided to retire the series and capture all the fun in a book that's just been published and is available at Amazon.com. It has every Purim issue of The Kustanowitz Kronikle from 1988 through 2022 in a full-color, full-size paperback book with hilarious headline stories and parody movie picks. Here are a few examples: TRUMP, NETANYAHU SWAP ROLES, COUNTRIES; NEW TALMUD VOLUME "VOTIN" FOUND IN IRAQ; JOINS "FRESSIN", "NAPPIN", TANTZEN","PATCHEN"; "JUDAICARE" PROGRAM PLANNED TO ENSURE THAT ALL JEWS HAVE SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP; RABBIS CREATE TALMUD AMERICANI; NEW LAWS EXTEND HALACHA TO THANKSGIVING AND JULY 4; JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE UNITE TO STOP GLOBAL WARMING; FOCUS ON REDUCING HOT AIR; RABBIS TO REQUIRE SHECHITA FOR MANY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Jewish Humor Central Staff
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief:
Al Kustanowitz Food and Wine Editor:
Aviva Weinberg Israel Food and Wine Consultant Penina Kustanowitz Reporter and Photographer:
Meyer Berkowitz Reporter Phyllis Flancbaum
Now You Can Book Program and Lecture Dates for 2025 and 2026 in Person and Via ZOOM
Now is the time to book our Jewish humor programs and lectures for your 2025 and 2026 events in person and via ZOOM anywhere in the world. Book any of our 22 popular programs including "The Great Jewish Comedians", “Israel is a Funny Country”, and "Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places." Click above for details and videos. To book a program with Al, e-mail: dan@hudakonhollywood.com
"Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places" is now available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle editions
This book presents 150 anecdotes and associated video clips that reveal the myriad ways that Jewish culture, religion, humor, music, song, and dance have found expression in parts of the world that, at first glance, might not seem supportive of Jewish Life. It includes 50 videos of Hava Nagila being performed from Texas to Thailand, from India to Iran, and from Buenos Aires to British Columbia. Also highlighted are 34 international versions of Hevenu Shalom Aleichem, Adon Olam, Abanibi, and Tumbalalaika. Whether you’re reading the print version and typing in the video URLs or reading the e-book version and clicking on the links, you’ll have access to 150 video clips totaling more than 10 hours of video. Enjoy!
"Israel is a Funny Country" is now available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle editions
This book explores the multifaceted nature of humor in Israel, some of which is intentional and some of which is unintentional. Either way, the quirks of Israeli life contribute to making that life interesting and fulfilling. In the pages of this volume, we take a look at humorous slices of Israeli life, Israeli comedy, satire and parody, funny TV commercials, unusual stories about food, surprising rabbinic bans on daily activities, simchas as they can only be celebrated in Israel, and endearing aspects of Israeli culture. There are more than 120 anecdotes and links to video clips totaling more than six hours of video. We hope that these anecdotes and video clips give you a new and different insight into life in Israel, and encourage you to join in the fun by planning a visit to the land flowing with milk and honey.
Now is the time to book our Jewish Humor Shows and Lectures in person or on ZOOM.
Bring Al's Jewish humor lectures and comedy programs with the funniest videos on the Internet to your community and your synagogue, club, JCC, organization or private event in person or via ZOOM. We're taking reservations now for 2025 and 2026 dates in your community. Click above for details. To book a program with Al, e-mail: dan@hudakonhollywood.com.
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The Best of Jewish Humor Central - Now Available in eBook and Paperback at Amazon.com
The Best of Jewish Humor Central - More than 400 video clips, including music and comedy videos for all the Jewish holidays. View them on Your PC, Mac, Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Android Tablet and Smartphone. Click on the image above to peek inside and download a free sample. And now, a paperback edition for anyone who prefers a traditional book and doesn't mind typing the URLs instead of clicking on them.
About the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
A long-term devotee of Jewish humor, Al Kustanowitz has been collecting and sharing it even before there was an internet. In 2009, after a 36-year career at IBM managing new technology projects, he founded Jewish Humor Central (jewishhumorcentral.com. Through the blog he brings a daily dose of fun and positive energy to readers who would otherwise start the day reading news that is often drab, dreary, and depressing (subscribing is free). He has published 12 books on humor based on his more than 4,000 blog postings, each of which includes a video clip and his commentary.
He has presented more than 100 programs in South Florida and the Northeast on topics that include the great comedians and entertainers of the 20th century, funniest moments in film and television, flash mobs around the world, and composers and lyricists of the Great American Songbook.
He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the City University of New York and taught computer science courses at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the International Association of Yiddish Clubs.
You can contact Al via email at akustan@gmail.com.
Jewish Action Podcast episode 2
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Listen to the episode here Host Rabbi Gil Student is joined by Rabbi
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to unpack tw...
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Dry Bones Golden Oldies in the fond memory of Yaakov Kirschen (Dry Bones).
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Thoughts on the Haggadah by Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum
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[image: Story 375601404]
We just recently were able to find the latest version of my fathers, Rabbi
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Hamantaschen: The Symbolism behind Purim Cookies
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Purim is a celebration of masquerade, Mishloach Manot, Hamantaschen and
book of Esther reading. Every Jewish holiday focuses on a special dish and
the tria...
Thank you for your support!
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Thank you very much for supporting our work at The Muqata. We appreciate
your contribution and hope to be able to keep bringing you the most up to
date ...
Boarding School Massachusetts
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Every fall the Massachusetts Health Connector provides information
concerning the public higher education institutions and designed to prevent
offenders ...
A chat with some protesters…
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Originally posted on don of all trades:
Hi protesters, it’s me, Don. Do you remember me? No? I’m a police officer.
We’ve met before. Excuse me? Did you say...
Jerusalem Walking Tours for Sukkot
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It is about time that I brought back my “Jerusalem: Meet Jerusalem” walking
tour series. And while I am nearing completion on a few new ones that I
hope to...
Trayf of the Week: Bacon Jam
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Just when you thought it was safe to eat your bagels in mixed company,
comes this devilish concoction. Next time a Goyishe friend offers you a
shmear, mak...
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