How do four Jewish comedians find their voice and turn their experiences into comedy?
Howie Mandel shares why the stage is where he feels most calm, present, and in control while navigating mental health struggles. He also opens up about being proud of his Jewish identity despite not being highly observant, saying Kaddish for a year while touring by requiring shows to start after sundown so he could pray with a minyan, and the lessons he learned about tzedakah and helping those in need.
Tiffany Haddish tells us about how comedy literally saved her life. She also talks about her time working as an “energy producer” at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, studying Judaism with Rabbi Susan Silverman, and celebrating her 40th birthday with a Bat Mitzvah alongside the release of her comedy special Black Mitzvah.
Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder explains how performing comedy in English shaped his material about Jewish and Israeli identity, why comedy can communicate what traditional PR cannot, how audiences differ between Israel and the U.S., and why he calls touring his “reserve duty.”
Modi Rosenfeld explains why he considers himself a “Jewish comedian,” reflects on being one of the last Catskills comedians, reaching diverse audiences, and knowing his audience.
Four comedians. Four comedy styles. One common goal: Spread Jewish joy through laughter.
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
00:58 – Howie Mandel
06:50 – Tiffany Haddish
14:33 – Yohay Sponder
22:28 – Modi Rosenfeld
Watch Howie Mandel’s full episode:https://youtu.be/DpncSDHfhGk?si=KiD6pRjUHHRE-tWw
Watch Tiffany Haddish’s full episode:https://youtu.be/5QccpVosg3A?si=r34pBuRIvhCsDi2j
Watch Yohay Sponder’s full episode:https://youtu.be/LaJQSLPoId0?si=aCFLwk2bAKZg8ogo
Watch Modi Rosenfeld’s full episode:https://youtu.be/SjqVNuYnxjg?si=dk5dRusF-BeyHMlV
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CREDITS
Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producer: Jonah Platt, Associate Producer: Rachel Stern, Head of Operations: Josie Rothschild, Production Associate: Sasha Fiora, Operations Associate: Emma Webb, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Interns: Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
