From Seinfeld to Silverman: Comedy and Jewish Culture

Up-and-coming Jewish comedians are proving that the next generation of entertainers will make waves like their predecessors. In 2022, we joined forces with Chosen Comedy to help bring Taglit-Birthright Israel comedians into the spotlight. This year’s Chosen Comedy Festival showcased diverse Jewish talent from Los Angeles, Miami, and beyond! 

And February’s comedy event was one of many scheduled for this year and beyond that feature Jewish talent.

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And two more Chosen Comedy events are already booked—one on July 29 in the Catskills and another on August 8 at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn. 

But Jewish comedy isn’t a new thing—not by any stretch of the imagination. Some of our most famous and influential public figures have been comedians for the last several decades. What can we say? Jews are funny. 

Jewish Comedy Through the Ages

“If they’re laughing, how can they bludgeon you to death?”

That’s what famous comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks said in response to theories about why Jews are so prominent in comedy. A 1978 Time Magazine article claimed that 80% of all stand-up comedians in the United States were Jewish. These impressive numbers left New York Times writer Mark Horowitz asking himself a peculiar question:

Were Jews always funny? 

Some say that the birth of Jewish humor began as a defense mechanism to cope with anti-semitism. Others argue that the uniqueness of our culture brings plenty of material to satirize. No matter the reason, Jewish culture has significantly impacted the comedy world, and its influence can be seen in the work of some of the most well-known comedians today. From the early days of vaudeville to the modern era of Nick Kroll and Adam Sandler releasing their comedy specials on Netflix, Jewish comedians continue to spark laughs from the masses.

Let’s explore how Jewish comedians have made their mark on pop culture and helped shape our thoughts about this beloved form of entertainment. 

Early Jewish Comedy

The origins of Jewish comedy can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where Jews lived in shtetls, or villages with close-knit communities. Humor played an essential role in Jewish life in shtetls, as it served as a way to cope with daily hardships. Rabbis and scholars also used humor as a teaching tool, often incorporating witty anecdotes and puns into their lessons. 

As Jews began immigrating to the United States in the 19th century, they brought their humor with them. Vaudeville, a form of variety entertainment popular in the early 20th century, provided a platform to showcase their talents while coping with the challenges of assimilating into American society. Names like Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor, and the Marx Brothers became synonymous with vaudeville and helped pave the way for Jews in the entertainment industry. 

So what did they laugh about in the early days? 

While some Jews did not bring their Hebraic roots into their stand-up routines, other comedians’ jokes in the early 20th century often centered around the Yiddish language, culture, and Jewish stereotypes. Jewish comedians used these stereotypes to poke fun at themselves while shedding light on these caricatures’ absurdity. As they became more mainstream, Jewish comedians began to tackle broader topics, such as political and social issues. 

From slapstick to silent movies, the early days of Jewish comedy paved the way for some of our favorite entertainers to succeed. 

Let’s look at some of the most influential Jewish comedians today! 

The Impact of Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks is one of the most iconic Jewish comedians in history, known for his irreverent and often controversial style of humor. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1926, Brooks served in World War II before starting his career in entertainment. He began as a writer for television and eventually made his way to the big screen, where he wrote, directed, and acted in some of the most influential comedies of all time. 

One of Brooks’ most famous works is the 1968 film “The Producers,” a satire about two producers who try to create the biggest flop in Broadway history to scam investors. The film was a critical and commercial success, eventually taken to the Broadway stage in 2001, earning Brooks the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. He went on to make many more beloved films, including “Young Frankenstein” and “Spaceballs.” 

Although his humor is often self-deprecating and controversial, he continues to use his platform to challenge Jewish stereotypes and promote understanding and acceptance.

“I love being a Jew,” Mel Brooks says in a 2022 interview with NPR. “And I love Jewish humor, and I loved the—I don’t know, the je ne sais quoi that the Jews—they have a wonderful attitude. You know, I guess it’s called survival.” 

The Seinfeld Effect

When comedian Jerry Seinfeld and writer Larry David joined forces to create the hit sitcom, “Seinfeld,” pop culture was changed forever. Premiering in 1989, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, running for nine seasons and 180 episodes. 

One of the unique aspects of “Seinfeld” was its portrayal of Jewish characters and culture in a mainstream television show. While many Jewish comedians before Jerry Seinfeld had used their cultural identity as a source of humor, the sitcom was one of the first shows to bring Jewish culture to a broader, non-Jewish audience. 

In addition, “Seinfeld” helped to popularize a new style of comedy known as “anti-comedy” or “comedy about nothing.” The show was famous for focusing on small, seemingly insignificant moments and refusing to adhere to traditional sitcom conventions. Its main characters also made the show engaging, as viewers wanted to see Jerry, Elaine, Kramer, and George’s everyday adventures in New York City. 

Jerry Seinfeld, who based many of the show’s storylines and characters on his own life and experiences, remains one of the most recognizable Jewish comedians in the world. His observational style and ability to find humor in everyday situations became a hallmark of comedy and influenced the next generation of Jewish comedians. As a result, the legacy of “Seinfeld” can be seen in the work of many entertainers today, including many Jewish women in comedy.

Jewish Women in Comedy 

Jewish women continue to make a significant impact on the world of comedy. From the fearless Sarah Silverman to the brilliant and insightful Rachel Bloom, these comedians continue to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through their work. 

One of the most prominent Jewish women in comedy today is Amy Schumer. Her bluntness regarding the female experience and willingness to tackle taboo subjects have made her a popular figure in the industry. In 2015, Schumer won an Emmy for her show “Inside Amy Schumer,” which features sketches, stand-up comedy, and interviews with other comedians. 

Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, the creators and stars of the hit show “Broad City,” have also gained a strong following for their sharp wit and hilarious portrayals of young Jewish women navigating life in New York City. The show, which premiered in 2014, has been praised for its feminist themes and frank discussions of sexuality and mental health. 

These women are not only breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Jewish comedians but are also changing the face of comedy as a whole, bringing diversity and fresh perspectives to the genre. 

The Future of Jewish Comedy 

At Birthright Israel BEYOND, we’re proud to support the next generation of Jewish comics. We partner with the Chosen Comedy Festival to help Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni take the stage, and the results have been amazing. 

Abby Feldman, Taglit-Birthright Israel alum and hilarious comic, joined the lineup as the winner of our Next Best Comic competition. After reviewing tons of submissions sent in by members worldwide, Abby impressed us with her wit, charm, and “ray-of-sunshine” attitude. 

“I think comedy is a trait that’s inherently Jewish,” she explained when asked how her background plays into her act. “I think comedians are survivors in a lot of ways. Across the board, I think we’re sensitive people—people who have experienced a lot of hard things, and we’ve [Jews] learned how to diffuse tension through comedy.” 

Watch her share her story and her journey to perform on the Miami stage. 

Who is your favorite Jewish comedian? We want to hear from you.