IsraelCast Episode 220

From Mel Brooks to Jerry Seinfeld, there is a proud lineage of Jewish comedians who use their experience and wit to make the world laugh. However, since October 7, those laughs can feel hollow, knowing how many of our brethren are suffering. Others, though, view comedy as a coping mechanism to deal with the pain and trauma. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Author and Comedian Joel Chasnoff to discuss the link between comedy and tragedy, life in Israel post-October 7, and what we can learn from how Israelis communicate.

Joel Chasnoff is a stand-up comedian and author of multiple bestselling books about Israel. To date, he has performed his unique brand of clean, Israel-positive comedy at more than 1,500 Jewish events in ten countries, including multiple Jewish National Fund-USA National Conferences and Regional Galas. Other highlights include the Melbourne Comedy Festival in Australia, Limmud in the US and UK, and Israeli late-night TV. A former IDF lone soldier who served in a combat unit in the Golan Heights and South Lebanon, Chasnoff recounted his service in his comedic memoir “The 188th Crybaby Brigade.” His other books include “Israel 201” and the cookbook “Balaboosta,” which he co-wrote with Israeli celebrity chef Einat Admony.