A Joke to Start the Week - "The Big Sneeze"

It's another Monday, and time for another Joke to Start the Week. Today we're bringing you another joke told by David Apfel. 

Now living in Modiin, Israel, David Apfel is an accomplished entertainer and chazzan. He sings in several languages with repertoire ranging from the musicals to opera. He has officiated internationally at several orthodox synagogues and he also specializes in ''Kosher Komedie''.

Here's the setup for today's joke: Mrs. Goldstein is on an aircraft awaiting takeoff to an exotic holiday resort. Every 10 seconds she lets out a big sneeze and shakes her head violently. And then...

Enjoy!

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Yiddish Word of the Day: The Bed

As people continue to spend their days and evenings at home, due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions, the Forverts has launched a 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. Now that the Forverts is continuing the series, we'll be sharing some of the words and phrases as a regular feature of Jewish Humor Central.

Today's Yiddish lesson takes us into the bedroom where we learn the Yiddish words for all the bed components and a few proverbs to show how the bed plays an essential part in daily life.

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.

 

Welcoming Shabbat with Eishet Chayil by the Fainzaig Family Singers of Buenos Aires

It's Friday again, and it's time to welcome Shabbat. Today we're sharing another version of Eishet Chayil as sung by the Fainzaig Family Singers of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Fainzaig family is a well-established philanthropic family in Argentina, and they also contribute musically with their YouTube videos of traditional songs for Shabbat and other occasions.

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.

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.

 

Throwback Thursday Comedy Showcase: Victor Borge and the Opera Singer

We never get tired of watching the mischievous piano comedy antics of the great Victor Borge, the Danish comedian, conductor and pianist who achieved great popularity in radio and television in the United States and Europe. 

His blend of music and comedy earned him the nickname "The Clown Prince of Denmark","The Unmelancholy Dane", and "The Great Dane."
 
He was born as Borge Rosenbaum to a Jewish family in Copenhagen. His parents were both musicians. He began piano lessons at the age of two, and it was soon apparent that he was a prodigy.

In this video clip Borge turns an operatic performance by Marilyn Mulvey into a hilarious operatic comedy.

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.

  

#Throwback Thursday      #TBT

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Showcase: Gilda Radner as Baba Wawa with Praise from Barbara Walters

One of Gilda Radner's best characters on Saturday Night Live in the 1970s was Baba Wawa, a spot-on impersonation of TV news anchor Barbara Walters. 

In an episode of The View in 2014, 25 years after Radner died, Walters told Yahoo Entertainment that she eventually grew to enjoy Radner's take.

In this video, Walters reflects on their relationship. It also includes one of the most famous impersonations in which Baba Wawa interviews Mawena Doitchwand (Marlene Dietrich impersonated by Madeline Kahn).

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.  

Shtisel is Back! Season 3 Episode 1 Debuts in Live Virtual Event on the Last Night of Chanukah

Back in September we shared the good news that Season 3 of Shtisel completed production and will be available in 2021. Yesterday we learned that the World Premiere of the first episode will be shown on the last night of Chanukah as part of a live virtual event hosted by the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center in New York.

Season 3 begins seven years after the end of Season 2.

The event will include most of the Shtisel mishpacha. Here is the invitation:

Is Akiva still painting? Did his engagement to Libbi last? Did Ruchami and Hanina survive their wedding? And who’s baby is it?

The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center invites you to be the first to find out what has been happening in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem with an exclusive opportunity to attend the World Premiere of season 3, episode 1 of the award-winning show and join a live discussion and Chanukah candle lighting with:   Michael Aloni (Akiva Shtisel)   Doval’e Glickman (Shulem Shtisel)   Shira Haas (Ruchami Weiss)   Neta Riskin (Giti Weiss) Additional panelists to be announced. Tickets for the virtual event are $36 for each email address. Here is the link to register: https://streicker.nyc/events/shtisel-season-3 Here is the trailer for the third season. 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.

A Joke to Start the Week: Setting the Table

It's another Monday, and time for another Joke to Start the week. Here's another one from author and lecturer Michael Krasny.

Krasny has been telling Jewish jokes since his bar mitzvah, and it’s been said that he knows more of them than anyone on the planet. He certainly states his case in his latest book Let There be Laughter.

In promoting the book, Krasny has been giving lectures and interviews in which he tells some of the classic Jewish jokes, explaining the cultural expressions and anxieties behind the laughs.

We found some videos of these lectures, and today we're sharing another oldie but goodie.

Here's the setup: An old Jewish couple goes across to England and they want to find the best butler they can possibly find.  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.  

Yiddish Word of the Day: Bagels (and Everything That Goes With Them)

As people continue to spend their days and evenings at home, due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions, the Forverts has launched a 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. Now that the Forverts is continuing the series, we'll be sharing some of the words and phrases as a regular feature of Jewish Humor Central.

Sunday is a traditional day for bagels and lox. Today we get a Yiddish lesson about all kinds of bagels, how to order a fully loaded one, and a bagel proverb.

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.

Welcoming Shabbat with Yigdal by Chicago's West Suburban Temple Har Zion

Most synagogues conclude the Friday evening service with the liturgical poem Yigdal. 

Yigdal (Hebrew: יִגְדָּל‬ means "Magnify [O Living God]") is a Jewish hymn which in various rituals shares with Adon Olam the place of honor at the opening of the morning and the close of the evening service. 

It is based on the 13 Articles of Faith formulated by Maimonides (The Rambam). A translation can be found in any bilingual siddur in the language of the country where it is sung.

Today we're welcoming Shabbat with a version of Yigdal by the Mizmor L'David Davening Team of Chicago's West Suburban Temple Har Zion.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

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Throwback Thursday Comedy Showcase: SNL Coffee Talk with Mike Myers, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand

One of Saturday Night Live's most popular recurring features was the Coffee Talk series featuring Mike Myers as his former mother-in-law Linda Richman.

In this episode Linda Richman (Mike Myers), her best friend Liz Rosenberg (Madonna) and Liz's mom (Roseanne Barr) are huge Barbra Streisand fans and discuss Prince of Tides until Barbra makes a surprise appearance. The show was aired in 1992 during SNL's 17th season.

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.

 

#Throwback Thursday    #TBT

Wacky Wednesday Movie Clip: Mel Brooks as the Rabbi and Mohel in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"

In his 1993 musical adventure comedy film Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Mel Brooks parodied the Robin Hood story featuring comedic references to previous Robin Hood films, particularly Prince of Thieves.

The film also features Brooks in a minor role; He plays the rabbi-mohel-wine merchant who gives Robin and his merry men a lesson in circumcision.

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.

Unexpected Traces in Jewish Places: Ethiopian Jews Celebrate Holiday of Sigd in Israel

If you look at an Israeli calendar you'll see that yesterday was a national holiday that few Jews outside of Israel have heard of. It's the Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd.

Sigd is an Amharic word meaning "prostration" or "worship" and is the commonly used name for a holiday celebrated by the Ethiopian Jewish community on the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. This date is exactly 50 days after Yom Kippur, usually falling out in late October or November, and according to Ethiopian Jewish tradition is also the date that G-d first revealed himself to Moses.

In this video from last year's celebration Ethiopian Jews explain the significance of the holiday.

Hag Sameach!

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.

A Joke to Start the Week: "Converting a Bear"

It's another Monday, and time for another Joke to Start the Week. Today we're bringing you another joke told by David Apfel. 

Now living in Modiin, Israel, David Apfel is an accomplished entertainer and chazzan. He sings in several languages with repertoire ranging from the musicals to opera. He has officiated internationally at several orthodox synagogues and he also specializes in ''Kosher Komedie''.

Here's the setup for today's joke: Once upon a time there were three clergymen -- a Catholic priest, a rabbi, and a parson. They set themselves a challenge: Can they make a bear follow the religion which they follow? 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.

 

Yiddish Word of the Day: Schmaltz

As people continue to spend their days and evenings at home, due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions, the Forverts has launched a 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. Now that the Forverts is continuing the series, we'll be sharing some of the words and phrases as a regular feature of Jewish Humor Central.

Today we get a look at all of the ways that rendered chicken fat (schmaltz) has found its way beyond the kitchen to everyday 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.

Welcoming Shabbat with a Salsa Version of Adon Olam by Hazzan Diego Rubinsztein

Hazzan Diego Rubinsztein served the last 20 years as cantor and music director at CIRA—Templo Libertad, the oldest synagogue in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a pianist, composer and musical arranger. 

With a unique style, Hazzan Diego is one of the most important leaders of the modern liturgical music in Latin America. He has recorded several CDs of Jewish spiritual music and many synagogues around the world sing his tunes.

In this version of Adon Olam, the 62nd version that we've posted, Hazzan Diego gives us a lively performance with a salsa beat.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

 

Throwback Thursday Comedy Showcase: Rodney Dangerfield on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967

It's Throwback Thursday again and we're going back 53 years to get another dose of Rodney Dangerfield explaining why he "don't get no respect."

Born Jacob Rodney Cohen on Long Island, Dangerfield (he took the name from a character in a skit on the Jack Benny Show) had a career that went beyond standup comedy to the movies and to his own comedy club, Dangerfield's, in Manhattan.

In this video clip from The Ed Sullivan Show in June 1967, Dangerfield delivers monologues and tosses out one-liners about psychiatry, traveling, and relationships.

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.   

 

#Throwback Thursday   #TBT

"Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" Around the World - A Socially Distanced Version From Brazil

Hevenu Shalom Aleichem has traveled all over the world and has been played and sung in more countries than any Hebrew song except for Hava Nagila.

 Choral singing has been challenging to many choirs during the coronavirus pandemic, but some choral groups have persisted in singing while social distancing. A good example is the Coral Brigantino in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

For our 18th post of this popular Hebrew song of greeting and peace, let's take a trip to Braganca Paulista, a municipality in the state of Sao Paulo and watch the safely separated members of the Coral Brigantino sing Hevenu Shalom Aleichem.

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.