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!
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 guy is walking along a beach when he sees a lamp. He picks it up, rubs the lamp, and Poof! A genie appears. And then...
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.
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 the Yiddish word for winter and lots of related expressions.
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.
Choni Goldman, aka Choni G, the fresh-faced ‘pop’
chazan of the historic Cape Town Hebrew Congregation, or Gardens Shul
(the city’s oldest and most famous synagogue) and the 2012 winner of The Jewish Star competition, is known for gooseflesh-inducing renditions of ancient Jewish prayers and melodies. His debut album ‘5780’ is no exception.
The 16 track album showcases his distinctive sound: uplifting and
emotive melodies that have their roots in Jewish spirituality, yet
resonate with audiences from all walks of life.
‘5780’ came out in CD and USB format in December but only recently became available on all digital platforms.
“The album features a mix of dance, hip hop beats and a lot of soul with an African thread throughout,” says Choni.
A few of the album’s songs were recorded with an African choir called the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir.
The 11-piece group aim to follow in the footsteps of their
heroes and friends, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
In this video Choni and the Khayelitsha United Mambazo Choir sing Adon Olam.
Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!
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.
Today we share yet another version of the Yiddish folk song Tumbalalaika.
Baklava Klezmer Soul is a young group formed in May 2017, on the initiative of Isacco Basilotta and Roberto Avena.The group, starting from a melodic research, proposes arrangements of Klezmer music in a Balkan key with Gypsy references;the goal is to popularize a musical genre that is almost unknown to the culture of Italy.
The formation is typical of the genre, and is made up of five musicians: clarinet (Isacco Basilotta), accordion (Roberto Avena), voice and percussion (Michela Giordano), percussion (Lorenzo Armando) and electric bass (Nicolò Cavallo).
The performers thank the Jewish Community of Turin who authorized the filming inside the Cuneo Synagogue.
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.
In the city of Perris, California, a group of 51 skydivers formed a human Star of David in the sky to symbolize solidarity with Israel and to visually show that they are united against hate.
The group of skydivers,
led by world champion turned instructor Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, undertook
the challenge last week in the city of Perris.
Brodsky-Chenfeld said he organised the challenge to highlight increasing antisemitism in the world following Hamas’s terrorist attack on the Jewish state.
The challenge itself involved a complex jump with six connected
triangles. Of the scores of skydivers who participated, five were
Jewish.
Brodsky-Chenfeld continued: “All the others [who
participated] are my good friends, skydivers of all ages, who love
Israel and stand for humanity, against hatred and bigotry.”
Asked
what the atmosphere was like among the skydivers during the challenge,
he said: “Due to the challenging events in Israel, there was a mix of
both uplifting and sombre vibes.
“Everyone felt a strong sense of unity and a desire to do something positive; there was a lot of motivation.”
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.
Today we're continuing our new series on Jewish Humor Central, The Great Jewish Movies.
Each
post will focus on one of the movies produced in the last century that
had a Jewish theme, including comedy, drama, and musical genres.
We'll
include a brief plot summary, a video clip, and tell you how and where
to watch the full movie. Some will be free and others will require a
small rental fee.
Today's focus is on The Chosen,
the 1981 American drama film directed by Jeremy Kagan, based on the best-selling book of the same name by Chaim Potok, published in 1967. It stars Maximilian Schell and Rod Steiger. At the 1981 Montréal World Film Festival, the film won Grand Prix of the Americas, and Steiger won best actor.
The film is set in Brooklyn. The story begins during the latter part of the Second World War. Reuven Malter is a middle-class Modern Orthodox Jewish teenager and son of David Malter, a college professor and a dedicated Zionist.
At a baseball game between their schools, Reuven meets Danny Saunders,
another Jewish teenage boy. At first, the meeting is one of enmity since
Danny accidentally injures Reuven's eye during the game; this results
in Reuven wearing an eye patch for much of the movie.
When Danny goes to
visit Reuven at the hospital to apologize, Reuven refuses his apology
and asks him to leave. Later, Danny comes to Reuven's house to again
apologize. This time, Reuven accepts his apology and the boys become
friends despite their different backgrounds. Danny is the eldest son of
a Hasidic Rebbe,
the dynastic leader of the Hasidic Jews in that neighborhood, but is
not close to his father. Danny has been going to the nearby public
library and reading books on psychology. He amazes Reuven with his
ability to remember word-for-word what he has read. It turns out that
David Malter has been showing him these books.
Reuven and Danny go to a Sabbath
service in Danny's Hasidic community as Danny is eager for Reuven to
meet his father. Danny's father approves of their friendship, but Rebbe
Saunders disapproves of Professor Malter's writings, which doesn't
surprise anyone. Rebbe Saunders also wishes for Danny to become a rabbi
and to succeed him in leading his Hasidic community, in keeping with
the tradition of several generations, but Danny doesn't seem eager to
pursue this.
The full hour and 45 minute film is available to watch free on YouTube. 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.
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: Abraham Schwimmer is a prominent attorney in California. He dials the number of Morris Rosen, a very prominent art collector and a client of his. Morris says "I'm having a terrible day." And then...
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.
Sunday, November 19, 2023
While visiting wounded soldiers at Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv on October 25, Cantor Azi Schwartz of New York's Park Avenue Synagogue, gave a concert of Hebrew and English songs.
During the visit he was able to give his sister, Dr Renana Eitan, a few moments of peace, and they made music together. The doctor, also a pianist, is the Director of the Psychiatric Division and is working with her incredible staff day and night since October 7th to provide a healing of body and spirit for so many traumatized people.
Cantor Schwartz sang You'll Never Walk Alone, from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel, Adon Olam, and Jerusalem of Gold.
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.
This week we welcome Shabbat with Ana b'Koach, 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.
Known
as the 42-letter Name of God, Ana b'Koach 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 beKo'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 beKo'ach meditation, we enrich our lives with unadulterated spiritual light and positive energy. This version of Ana b'Koach is performed by Jacob's Ladder, a Jewish Bluegrass band that brings a warm, welcoming, and uplifting musical experience to the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Formerly known as Kol Kahol, Jacob's Ladder explores different styles, themes, grooves, and musical modes in this revised and updated version of the Kabbalistic Psalm.
The melody- Bury Me Beneath The Willow- comes from the old American folk traditions, with one of the first recordings ever made by the widely renowned and esteemed Carter Family. The band purposefully decided to explore West African grooves, clawhammer banjo styles, and group vocals as an homage to the rich traditions of West African music as a foundational pillar of American Music. Shabbat shalom! 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.
On
November 14, at the end of the march and rally for Israel on the mall
in Washington, D.C., the Maccabeats took the stage and sang the prayer Acheinu.
Their voices were joined by the voices of the 290,000 people who attended the rally.
Originally
formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group,
the Maccabeats have recently emerged as both Jewish music and a cappella
phenomena, with a large fan base, more than 20 million views on
YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums.
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.
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.
Famous Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu is best known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra.
Together they have turned classical and waltz music into a worldwide
concert touring act, as successful as some of the biggest global pop and
rock music acts.
Rieu and his orchestra have visited Israel twice. They toured Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Jerusalem. Rieu
and his son met with Holocaust survivors who were saved from the Nazis
by Rieu's wife's mother, who was active in the Dutch Resistance. Rieu's father was conductor of the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra.
Showing early promise, André began studying violin at the age of five.
From a very early age, he developed a fascination with orchestra. Rieu created the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987 and began with 12
members, giving its first concert on 1 January 1988. Over the years it
has expanded dramatically, nowadays performing with between 80 and 150
musicians. Rieu and his orchestra have performed throughout Europe, North and
South America, Japan, and Australia. The size and revenue of their tours
are rivaled only by the largest pop and rock music acts.
In this video from a concert in Maastricht, Rieu and the orchestra perform the theme song from Exodus, This Land is Mine.
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.
Even in the midst of tragedy, a dose of humor can serve to clarify and expose misguided and biased reporting.
Two weeks after the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists, Israeli comedy writers went to work creating satiric sketches about the aftermath, notably about the BBC reporting misinformation related to the faulty rocket that damaged the parking lot next to a hospital.
The sketch appeared on Eretz Nehederet, the Israeli version of Saturday Night Live, one of the most popular TV programs in Israel.
In the Eretz Nehederet sketch, which has gone viral since the
broadcast on Israeli network Keshet 12 on Wednesday evening, Israeli
actor Liat Harlev plays a BBC anchor arbitrarily inventing the number of
fatalities from the attack. “More, more” she urges as the figure on the
chyron jumps from 500 to 750. She then links to Middle East
correspondent Harry Whiteguilt (played by comedian Yuval Semo) who, clad
in a press flak jacket, says he’s reporting from the “illegal colony”
of Tel Aviv and goes on to describe Hamas as “the most credible not
terrorist organization in the world.” Beneath him on the screen a chyron
flashes up saying “We love Hamas.”
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.
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'll learn the Yiddish word for sun and some related words and phrases.
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.
Eishet Chayil (A Woman of Valor) is a hymn which is sung Friday night in many homes after singing Shalom Aleichem and before saying the Kiddush.
Traditionally, a husband sings the song to his wife, extolling her virtues, and expressing thanks for all that his wife has
done for him and their family.
With so many reservists away from home and on the battlefield, IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson led a group of soldiers performing a musical rendition of Eishet Chayil to their wives.
Shabbat shalom!
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.
With the call-up of reservists from all over Israel, many communities in the West Bank are ill-equipped due to Israel’s security forces being stretched thin.
Operation Ittai is
being organized by HaYovel, a Christian Zionist organization that has been sponsoring volunteer agricultural programs such as planting, pruning, and harvesting grape vineyards.
Since the Hamas invasion of October 7 and the resulting war in Gaza, HaYovel has been focusing on raising money to purchase protective supplies for residents of Judea and Samaria.
Just
like Ittai, a foreigner who stood with King David in the Bible (2 Samuel
15), HaYovel is calling on Christians from all over the world to stand with
Israel.
Operation Ittai has organized a massive airlift of humanitarian supplies and security
equipment in the coming days. They have suppliers,
exporters, importers and dealers lined up to move supplies directly into
Israel and then on to the Jewish communities and farms of Israel’s
heartland.
These supplies include protective vests, helmets, thermal drones, night vision goggles,
binoculars, flashlights, security cameras, security gates, and food for
those in need.
In this video, an Operation Ittai volunteer thanks contributors and shows examples of how their efforts have helped Israel.
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.
Lu Yehi was written and composed by Naomi Shemer during the Yom
Kippur War (1973), and has since become one of the symbols of the war.
Before the war, Naomi Shemer decided to write Hebrew words for the
Beatles' song “Let It Be”. She did not like the translation of the
song's name to "Shihyeh" which could be understood as “Whatever,” and
thought that it should be given the name "Lu Yehi".
Her version is not a translation of the Beatles song but a hopeful
prayer for a quick end to the war and for the safety of IDF soldiers
("This is the end of the summer, the end of the road, let them come
back.")
Mordechai Shevitz, Naomi Shemer’s second husband and poet in his own
right, who had just returned from reserve military service, declared: "I
will not let you waste this song on the tune of strangers, this is
about a Jewish war and you must write a Jewish melody.” This statement
rang true for Naomi and accordingly she changed the tune to fit the
Hebrew words.
In this video recorded on October 20 at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, Cantor Azi Schwartz sang Naomi Shemer's song in a Kabbalat Shabbat service that included remarks by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Pastor Kaji Dousa.
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.
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.
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.
We never expected to feature a Turkish patriotic song on Jewish Humor Central, but we just had to share this revelation by Zecharia Golden in the Forward this weekend.
In honor of the hundredth jubilee of the Turkish Republic, a patriotic song from 1972 is often heard in the Turkish social media this year.The song, "Bir Bashkadr Benim Memleketim" (My hometown is special) has a beautiful melody and the words paint a rural scene.It sounds like a classic Turkish folk song.
The melody of the song comes from the Yiddish song Der Rebbe Elimelech, which was first translated into a French song "Lavougl" from 1969 (The Blind Man), and then into the Turkish "Memlektim".
Here is a video of the Turkish song followed by a video of Eynat Betzalel singing Der Rebbe Elimelech. acccompanied byL'Orchestre Festival led by arranger and conductor Meinrad Koch.
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.
Jewish communities around the world are uniting in song to express their solidarity with Israel. In this video the Jewish community of Melbourne, Australia, sings Acheinu, Ani Maamin, Oseh Shalom, and Hatikvah in a Havdalah service at a large synagogue.
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.
Beth Reinstein is a Cantorial Intern at New York City's Central Synagogue with a
mission to craft community through music. Born and raised in Ann Arbor,
Michigan, Beth’s first introduction to music came through joining
Temple Beth Emeth’s youth choir. It was there that
she discovered and experienced how music can bring a community
together. Through Temple Beth Emeth’s music program, Beth fostered a
love and passion for music that blossomed into her work.
While pursuing her secular music career,
Beth began to serve the greater Chicago area as a Cantorial soloist and
song leader. Beth has served as a Cantorial soloist and song leader at
Beth Emet the Free Synagogue, Temple
Sholom, Anshe Emet Synagogue, Sukkat Shalom, and several other Chicago
communities. She also performs with Jewish Rock Radio’s group “Chicago
Sings” and had the opportunity to debut her own liturgical compositions
at URJ’s Biennial in 2019. It was through her work as a Cantorial
soloist that Beth realized her heart lay in Jewish music, and it was time to pursue the Cantorate.
In this video, Beth sings V'Shamru, a traditional part of the Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Shabbat shalom!
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.
As the Israel Defense Forces continue to make progress in the war against Hamas in Gaza, we share yet another version of the prayer for the protection of the IDF soldiers. In this moving video, the singer is a young boy named Nerya Granot.
His father, Rabbi Yuval Granot, is the rabbi of The Young Israel synagogue of Ramat Poleg, a suburb of Netanya.
Here is the English translation:
“He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.
May Hashem cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
Now let us respond: Amen.”
(Kol haKavod to Daniel Yishai, who posted it on YouTube on October 24.)
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.
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, the Israel Philharmonic, conducted by
Lahav Shani, presented a special live concert to play hope-filled
compositions to salute Israel and its people.
The program began with the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah”,
followed by Paul Ben-Haim’s “Fanfare to Israel” and Beethoven’s 3rd
Symphony, “Eroica.”
The full orchestra played to a concert hall without an audience. The seats were occupied by posters depicting the missing hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7.
Maestro Lahav Shani addressed all the viewers during the broadcast –
Dear audience, listeners and friends around the world,
The Israel Philharmonic, founded in 1936 in order to save
Jewish musicians and their families, has witnessed all the wars in
Israel. We never believed that in our lifetime we would witness the
violence and inhuman atrocities we saw in the massacre on Saturday, the
7th of October. We are concerned for the safety of the hostages and hope
for their swift return. Our hearts go out to those killed, to their
families, to all those who are wounded in body or in spirit, and to all
who have lost their homes.
We stand with the soldiers, who are protecting us in
these hours. We are tremendously inspired by the many heroic stories of
the volunteer soldiers, ordinary citizens, neighbors and acquaintances,
stories that are gradually revealed to us daily. The solidarity of all
Israeli society is a ray of light in these dark times. The
resourcefulness, cooperative spirit and willingness to volunteer inspire
us and give us hope.
I wish us all better days.
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.
When words fail, as they often have after the events of the past weeks, we turn to song and prayer.
This week three of the most popular Jewish a cappella groups -- The Maccabeats, Six13, and J-Studs -- have combined their voices to perform Avinu SheBashamayim, the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel.
Sending comfort to the bereaved, wishes for a speedy return of the hostages, and prayers for the safety for our brave brothers and sisters called up to protect Eretz Yisrael. Am Yisrael Chai!
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.
Now You Can Book Engaging Multimedia Programs for 2026 and 2027 in Person and Via ZOOM
Now is the time to book our Jewish humor programs and lectures for your 2026 and 2027 events in person and via ZOOM anywhere in the world. Book any of our 26 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, go to www.jewishhumorlive.com
Subscribe now. Start each day with a smile. No cost, no obligation, no spam.
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
"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 Open: The Jewish Humor Central Gift Shop
Jewish Humor Central logo merchandise is now available. Click on the image above to see the complete collection -- More than 100 items from tote bags, baseball caps, mugs, aprons, drinkware, T-shirts and sweatshirts, to pajamas and underwear.
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.
Three Brief Book Reviews
-
by R. Gil Student In the Fall 2026 issue of Jewish Action, I review the
following three books: I Read This Over Shabbos: Reading Jewish History in
the Para...
Good News, Bad News
-
Shabbat Shalom!
This was a Dry Bones cartoon from 2018. It is still true today. Even though
Israel has sealed or blown up much of the system, a lot rem...
What is Actually Going on in Qusra?
-
It’s the end of August. Chofesh hagadol is over, thank God, and tomorrow
morning the kids go back to school. In Jerusalem that means moving season
is at ...
Was Benoît Mandelbrot Jewish?
-
Yes, Benoît Mandelbrot was a Jew. The Times obituary says he, "was born on
Nov. 20, 1924, to a Lithuanian Jewish family in Warsaw. In 1936 his family
fled ...
Thoughts on the Haggadah by Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum
-
[image: Story 375601404]
We just recently were able to find the latest version of my fathers, Rabbi
Eli Teitelbaum Z”L, thoughts on the Haggadah and conve...
Hamantaschen: The Symbolism behind Purim Cookies
-
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!
-
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
-
Every fall the Massachusetts Health Connector provides information
concerning the public higher education institutions and designed to prevent
offenders ...
A chat with some protesters…
-
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
-
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
-
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...
Posts
