Welcoming Shabbat and Sukkot with a Sukkot Video Refresher

Tonight we celebrate a double simcha. The first day of Sukkot starts on Shabbat. Thanks to Chabad, we're sharing a fun and upbeat refresher on all the features of this very special holiday.

This video reviews all of the major features of this holiday, from the sukkah, the arba minim (four species), and holiday practices.

We picked up our lulav and etrog today, and are looking forward to shaking them with the myrtle and willow branches starting Sunday and continuing through the week. 

We will be observing Shabbat and Sukkot for the next two days, so Jewish Humor Central is taking a short break. We'll be back on Monday with our usual mix.

Shabbat shalom and Chag Sameach!

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Rappers and Rabbis Release New Sukkot Music Hip Hop Video Featuring Rapper Kosha Dillz

Rappers and Rabbis, the largest Jewish hip hop collective in the nation, has released a new music video just in time for Sukkot, which starts this Friday evening. They reimagine prayers, reinvent holidays, and use music as a means to connect with Jewish youth.

Rappers and Rabbis have developed interactive and hip-hop-inspired prayer books, Havdalah services, and Passover Haggadahs. They've reached more than 2,500 kids through performances and workshops in camps, schools, and youth groups nationwide, inspiring the next generation to embrace their inner MC.

Their latest release, Sukkah MCs, is a music video that pays tribute to the upcoming holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Festival of Booths. This song is already making waves, thanks to its educational yet fun approach. With captivating cinematography by Tolu, a renowned filmmaker from New York (Newark), and direction by Rachel Haymer, aka Kol Isha, the video brings the essence of Sukkot to life.

The Sukkah MCs music video not only showcases Rappers and Rabbis' talent but also features a guest appearance by the viral sensation Kosha Dillz. Kosha starts as himself, the rapper we know, before transforming into one of the Ushpizin. These Ushpizin are biblical figures traditionally invited into our homes during Sukkot, with each night welcoming a different guest. In this music video, we witness these ancient figures navigating the modern-day Sukkah.

Enjoy!

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A Music Video for Sukkot: "Sukkah", a Parody by Temple Israel of the Maroon 5 Hit "Sugar"

The Sukkot holiday starts this Friday night, which leaves only a few days for us to share any new Sukkot musical videos that are being released this year.

The clergy and staff of Temple Israel of West Bloomfield, Michigan are starting us off with Sukkah, a joyful parody of the pop hit Sugar by Maroon 5, released about eight years ago.

As Suzanne Chessler wrote in The Detroit Jewish News, 

“We want to spread the joy of Sukkot,” said Cantor Michael Smolash, who developed and participated in the video with Cantor Neil Michaels and Maya Grinboim, director of music production for the temple.

“The whole idea of Sukkot is that it takes place as the most joyous holiday in the Jewish calendar. After getting through Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah and the repentance linked to that, this video is all about joy,” Smolash said.

“This video is taking a very popular song and showing how you can celebrate to have fun, be a little silly, dance and be together in the sukkah.”

The music is from the song “Sugar” by Maroon 5, and the new lyrics are by Smolash, Grinboim and Canadian comedian Simon Rakoff, who polished the final lyrics. Rakoff is known personally to Smolash because the comedian is a cousin of Smolash’s wife.

Part of making the video was to appeal to all ages, and the musicians helping with that included Larry Prentiss on electric bass, Steve Nolton on drums and percussion, and Bryan Pope on electric guitars and synth.

“Little kids will like it,” Smolash said. “Adults will get more of the jokes, and teenagers will dig the Maroon 5 song.”

Enjoy!

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Yiddish Word of the Day - "Learning"

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 learning and some related expressions.

Enjoy!

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Yom Kippur Starts Tonight - Shulem Lemmer Sings "Avinu Malkeinu"

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. 

In fact, Shulem feels music aspires to go beyond current historical context to illuminate what he sees as the perfect dream: when the world is at peace. There are some voices that have to be heard – and Shulem’s is one of them.

As we get ready to attend Yom Kippur services tonight and tomorrow, whether in person or via Zoom or live streaming, let's listen to Shulem sing Avinu Malkeinu, a central prayer of the ten days of repentance which began on Rosh Hashanah and conclude on Yom Kippur. Both the words and the melody evoke deep emotion as the congregation connects with God as a parent and monarch.

Shulem will be performing live in concert 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. 

We will be attending services today and tomorrow and Jewish Humor Central will be back on Tuesday. We wish you an easy and meaningful fast on Yom Kippur.

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Welcoming Shabbat with Sim Shalom Sung by Cantors Azi Schwartz and Mira Davis of Park Avenue Synagogue

In this month full of holidays and Shabbatot, it's time for another Shabbat as we approach Yom Kippur and Sukkot only a few days later.

Tonight we welcome Shabbat with a Kabbalat Shabbat service. Tomorrow is a regular Shabbat and we're sharing a video from last week by Cantors Azi Schwartz and Mira Davis of the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City.

They sing Sim Shalom, a prayer from the conclusion of the Amida (Shemona Esrei).

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

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Throwback Thursday Musical Showcase: Steve Lawrence Sings "Where Can I Go?" in English and Yiddish

Leo Fuld was a Dutch singer who specialized in Yiddish songs. While in Paris after World War II he visited a little Yiddish night club where he heard a survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto sing a song which touched him deeply - Vi ahin zol Ikh geyn?. 

Fuld was so impressed that he asked the composer for a copy and said "I'll make this a world hit!". He kept his promise; upon returning to England he wrote English lyrics and recorded it for Decca under the title Where Can I Go?. 

It was also released in America, and he became a star overnight. He sang it on television in the Milton Berle show, the Perry Como Show and in the Frank Sinatra Show, and it was also recorded by some of America's biggest record stars such as Ray Charles and Steve Lawrence. Among his greatest fans were such stars as Billie Holiday, Al Jolson and Édith Piaf. 

In February 1965 Steve Lawrence sang the song on the Ed Sullivan Show. Let's turn the clock back 58 years to listen to him sing this classic song in English and Yiddish.

Enjoy!

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   #Throwback Thursday      #TBT

 

Tell me, where can I go? There's no place I can see. Where to go, where to go? Every door is closed for me. To the left, to the right, It's the same in every land. There is nowhere to go And it's me who should know, Won't you please understand? Now I know where to go, Where my folks proudly stand. Let me go, let me go To that precious promised land. No more left no more right. Lift your head and see the light. I am proud, can't you see, For at last I am free: No more wandering for me.   

 

Vi ahin zol ikh geyn? Ver kon entfern mir? Vi ahin zol ikh geyn? Az farshlosn z'yede tir S'iz di velt groys genug Nor far mir iz eng un kleyn Vi a blik kh'muz tsurik S'iz tsushtert yede brik Vi ahin zol ikh geyn? Dort ahin vel aich gein.

 

 

 

Wacky Wednesday Comedy Special - "Living Leg Display" - Candid Camera Gold

Candid Camera was a popular and long-running American hidden camera reality television series. Versions of the show appeared on television from 1948 until 2014. Originally created and produced by Allen Funt, it often featured practical jokes, and initially began on radio as The Candid Microphone on June 28, 1947. 

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

Today we're sharing a classic episode from 1963 in which shoppers in a hosiery store encounter a living leg.

Enjoy! 

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Continuing a New Series: The Great Jewish Movies - "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz"

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 Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, the 1974 Canadian comedy-drama film based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Canadian author Mordecai Richler. The movie stars Richard Dreyfuss, Jack Warden, Randy Quaid, and Joseph Wiseman.

Duddy Kravitz is a brash, restless young Jewish man growing up poor in Montreal. His cab driver father Max and his rich uncle Benjy are very proud of Duddy's older brother Lenny, whom Benjy is putting through medical school. Only his grandfather shows the motherless Duddy any attention.

The full hour and 55 minute film is available to watch free on YouTube.  Enjoy!

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A Joke to Start the Week - "Terrible Accident for Morris""

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: During Saturday services Rabbi Mendel Kaplan asked if anyone in the congregation wanted to say a thank you to God for answering a prayer. And then...

Enjoy!

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Wishing All of Our Readers a Shanah Tovah - Happy New Year 5784

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

We started Jewish Humor Central on October 5, 2009 and it's been going strong with more than 4200 blog entries and more than 10 million page views over the last 14 years.  

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

We'll be attending Rosh Hashanah services tonight, Shabbat and Sunday, and we'll be back posting again on Monday.  Here's wishing you a happy, healthy, joyous, prosperous and funny New Year from our family to yours!

L'shanah Tovah Tikatevu v'techatemu!

Here Come the Rosh Hashanah Videos: Congregation B'nai Israel of Sacramento Sings "I Always Wanna Have Rosh Hashanah"

A week ago we started this year's Rosh Hashanah musical videos with a holiday version of Oklahoma! by the choir of Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento, California. Well, they're at it again with a set of Rosh Hashanah lyrics to There's No Business Like Show Business.

Founded in 1849 as one of the first few Jewish synagogues west of the Mississippi, B'nai Israel is a vibrant multi-generational and multi-cultural community in the heart of Sacramento,  California where people of diverse backgrounds pursue their Jewish journeys. It is an egalitarian, inclusive congregation committed to experiencing the joy and beauty of Jewish life.

With the holiday starting tomorrow night, let's get ready by joining the choir in singing I Always Wanna Have Rosh Hashanah!

Enjoy!

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Here Come the Rosh Hashanah Videos: Six13 Sings "5784" - Adaptation of Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4"

Six13 is a groundbreaking, six-man a cappella vocal band that brings an unprecedented style of Jewish music to the stage, with songs ranging from hip-hop dance tracks to rock anthems. The members of the New York City-based group sound like a full band – while using nothing but their voices.

They’re driven by a mission to connect Jews around the globe with their heritage through music, anchored by a strong Jewish identity, and fueled by thumping beatbox, intricate arrangements, and soulful harmonies.

For this high holiday season, Six13 has released "5784", their adaptation of Chicago's mega hit song "25 or 6 to 4".

Enjoy!

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Shofar in the Street: British Actor Marcus Freed Asks Londoners to Identify Shofar

As we count down the days to Rosh Hashanah, today we're posting a "Shofar in the Street" segment with British actor Marcus J. Freed asking London passers-by just what is the animal horn that he is carrying.

Is it a buffalo horn? Elephant tooth or tusk?  Antelope horn? Musical instrument? Something a Viking would use? Then Freed does the big reveal by saying it's Jewish and proceeding to sound an abbreviated combination tekiah and teruah.

The video is sponsored by the Pico Shul in Beverly Hills, California.

Enjoy!

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Blowing the Shofar - Tricks & Tips for Rosh Hashanah

With Rosh Hashanah only five days away, we're continuing our special posts for the holiday. Our Joke to Start the Day feature will be back after the holidays.

Have you ever tried to blow a shofar and not get the clear musical tone that you expected to emerge from it? Do you even own a shofar? Today we're sharing some tricks and tips to get the best sounds from the horn of a ram or a kudu or whatever kosher animal gave up its horn to enhance your Rosh Hashanah.

Today Leah, a Jewish Orthodox artist/graphic designer, mom, wife, and cook living in Israel who has a YouTube channel called JewGotIt, shows us, with the help of her husband, how to properly position the shofar in order to produce a perfect sound.

If you don't own a shofar, there's still time to get one, as Amazon can deliver one in two days. It can add a new dimension to your High Holiday celebration and also serve as an attractive addition to your Judaica collection.

Enjoy!

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First Pitch Thrown at New York Mets Jewish Heritage Day is a Real Matzo Ball

Last Sunday was a winning day for the New York Mets at Citi Field. Not only did they beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3, but they gave their fans a special treat when rapper Matisyahu threw out a matzo ball as the first pitch.

As Shiryn Ghermezian wrote in The Algemeiner,

The Grammy-nominated Jerusalem singer plucked the matzah ball directly out of a container of soup, presented to him by fellow Jew and star of The Flash, actor Ezra Miller, before throwing the opening pitch from the mound to Miller at home plate. A video that Matisyahu shared on Instagram shows the matzah ball breaking apart into millions of pieces when Miller tried to catch it with his baseball glove.

The matzah ball used in the pitch was made by Miller, who adjusted a family recipe to make a “denser ball” for Sunday’s game, according to the New York Post.

A reporter for MLB.com who covers the Mets recounted the scene on social media: “The Mets are going all-out for Jewish Heritage Day at Citi Field. Matisyahu threw a ceremonial first pitch and performed live between innings. Ike Davis, Ty Kelly, Art Shamsky and Josh Satin were recognized on a scoreboard feature. The organist even played The Chanukah Song.”

Enjoy!

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Welcoming Shabbat with Lecha Dodi at New York's Central Synagogue

Tonight we welcome Shabbat with an energetic version of Lecha Dodi by the clergy of New York City's Central Synagogue.

The congregation began on Manhattan’s Lower East Side when its parent congregations Ahawath Chesed and Shaar Hashomayim were founded in 1846 and 1839, respectively, by German-speaking immigrants who hailed predominantly from the Czechoslovak area of Europe. By 1872, the membership of Ahawath Chesed had prospered and grown as the city’s population shifted uptown. When land became available at 55th Street and Lexington Avenue, the location was well suited to them.

With amazing courage and vision, the 140 families of Ahawath Chesed commissioned Henry Fernbach, a prominent New York Jewish architect, to design its synagogue to seat more than 1,400 persons. At its dedication in 1872, Rabbi Adolph Heubsch described the building as “a house of worship in evidence of the high degree of development only possible under a condition of freedom.”

In 1898, Ahawath Chesed agreed to merge with Shaar Hashomayim to become Ahawath Chesed Shaar Hashomayim. In 1918, the congregation renamed itself Central Synagogue.

Central Synagogue was designated a New York City Landmark in 1966 and a National Historic Landmark in 1975. It is the largest Reform synagogue in continuous use in New York City and one of the leading Reform congregations in the country.

Currently, Central Synagogue’s thriving community comprises 2,600 member families. 

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom!

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Elon Gold Comedy Special: Why Most Jews Don't Speak Hebrew

Elon Gold has always been one of our favorite young stand-up comics. A practicing Orthodox Jew who attended Westchester Day School and Yeshiva University High School, he performs for Jewish and for general audiences. His Jewish routines tend to be family-friendly, and his general routines not so.

He performs in comedy clubs and has appeared at the annual Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, Canada. We're sharing a video clip of a presentation he made to and Israeli audience, explaining why most Jews don't speak Hebrew.

Why, indeed? Because after spending 15 years in a Yeshiva day school and Jewish camps, he was never taught conversational Hebrew. So finding himself in a hotel in Israel and not being able to come up with the Hebrew words for "Late checkout" Gold ridicules his own inability to apply his Hebrew knowledge to everyday situations.

Enjoy!

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Here Come the Rosh Hashanah Videos: Congregation B'nai Israel of Sacramento Sings "Roshklahoma"

It's that time of year again. In only nine days we will be attending Rosh Hashanah services in person in synagogues, and at home via Zoom sessions and live streaming services.

In addition to attending traditional services, we have been posting music videos that capture the spirit and nuances of the holiday season, by synagogue groups and choruses and by creative individuals.

We're starting to see some new videos and we'll be sharing them with you during the coming week. In the meantime, let's start with a music video that was posted last year by Congregation B'nai Israel in Sacramento, California. We missed it last year so we're playing catch up today.

Founded in 1849 as one of the first few Jewish synagogues west of the Mississippi, B'nai Israel is a vibrant multi-generational and multi-cultural community in the heart of Sacramento,  California where people of diverse backgrounds pursue their Jewish journeys. It is an egalitarian, inclusive congregation committed to experiencing the joy and beauty of Jewish life.

Here's their version of Oklahoma!, with new words reviving the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune as Roshklahoma!

Enjoy!

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The New Jewish Comedians: Meet Gianmarco Soresi, Birthright Israel Veteran and Standup Comic

Standup comedian Gianmarco Soresi is making new waves on the comedy scene, embracing his Jewish identity wherever he performs.

Last November Soresi made his debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden, immediately referencing his Jewish background and how it affects him in his everyday life.

As Kylie Ora Lobell wrote on the Aish.com website,

Since stepping into standup, in addition to appearing on James Corden, Soresi has also been a New Face at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, a prestigious honor that has propelled many other comedians in their careers. He appeared with Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal in the movie “Here Today,” starred in his own special on Amazon Prime, and performs standup on the road 45 weekends a year.

“Doing standup is a real rush,” he said. “Everything is rockin’ and rollin’ and you feel the joy of getting laughter. When I’m offstage, my mind is always wandering, whether it’s because I’m ADD or OCD or just Jewish. When I’m on stage, I’m very present and alive and I’m in the moment.”

Soresi grew up in Potomac, Maryland, with a Jewish mother and an Italian father. However, he didn’t do much in terms of his Jewish practice.

When the comedian was 26, he went on Birthright to Israel, and today he’s dating a woman with more of a background in Judaism.

“She grew up Chabad, which has definitely brought me close to Judaism,” he said.

Soresi lives on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that was predominantly Jewish around the turn of the 20^th century. He lives across from the Tenement Museum, a remnant of the Jewish history there, and he’s near Russ & Daughters, a legendary New York eatery that features top-quality smoked fish and lox.

Enjoy!

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A Joke to Start the Week - "Front Row at the Synagogue"

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: An elderly woman walked into the synagogue for Rosh Hashanah services. An usher was there to help her to get up the steps. He asked her "Where would you like to sit?" And then...

Enjoy!

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Introducing a New Series: The Great Jewish Movies - "The Jazz Singer"

Today we're starting a new series on Jewish Humor Central that will run from time to time, mostly on Sundays. It's 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.

Let's start at the very beginning of talking motion pictures with the first film to include sound, The Jazz Singer. This 1927 film starred Al Jolson in the leading role of Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a cantor who changed his name to Jack Robin and decided to make his career as a singer of popular jazz music.

The full hour and 34 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.

Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places: Welcoming Shabbat with Lecha Dodi in Uganda

Today we combine two regular features of Jewish Humor Central -- Jewish Traces in Unexpected Places and a song from the Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome the weekly day of rest.

Two years ago we  posted a video of the girls from the Nangolo Synagogue in Uganda singing Mizmor leDavid from the Shabbat Morning Service. The Nangolo Synagogue is one of nine established by the Abayudaya people of Uganda.

Today we are sharing a video of Nangolo children singing Lecha Dodi in front of the synagogue.

The Abayudaya (People of Judah) are a community in eastern Uganda near the town of Mbale who practice Judaism. They are devout in their practice, keeping kashrut, and observing Shabbat. There are several different villages where the Abayudaya live. Most of these are recognized by the Reform and Conservative movements of Judaism. In June 2016 Rabbi Shlomo Riskin led a Beit Din that performed an Orthodox conversion for the Putti community of Abayudaya.

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.