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Joel Chasnoff
Jewish Comedian & Best-Selling Author
Joel Chasnoff
Jewish Comedian & Best-Selling Author
Biography
Author and winner of the National Jewish Book Award for his latest book, Israel 201, Joel wears multiple hats. A versatile and polished stand-up comedian and speaker with over 20 years of performances, he’s presented his unique brand of clean, uplifting Jewish comedy for more than 1,500 Jewish audiences in North America, Europe, Israel, and Australia.
Joel grew up in Evanston, IL, where he attended Solomon Schechter Day School and Camp Ramah. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Joel kissed his mom and diploma goodbye in pursuit of an oversized, olive green uniform. Serving as a tank gunner in the Golan Heights and South Lebanon, Joel chronicles his wide range of experiences in the IDF in his bestselling comedic memoir The 188th Crybaby Brigade.
On his upcoming spring tour, Yachad, Joel will makeshift meaningful stories, uplifting workshops, and comedic performances into the glue that bonds Jewish communities closer together. Joel will repurpose the oys and joys of Jewish life in America into an invitation to laugh together.
Joel currently lives in Ra’anana, Israel, with his Israeli wife and their four kids.
Speaker Videos
Joel Chasnoff Testimonial Video
Israel Book Trailer Joel Chasnoff
Favorite Child Comedy Clip
A Taste of Joel's Stand-Up on Traveling
Life in the Israeli Army
Joel Chasnoff Performs Stand-Up on Jewish Day School Basketball
The Israeli Army and Jewish Identity
The Importance of Fundraising
Making Judaism Relevant
Speech Topics
Purity of Arms: An American in the Israeli Army
When he was 24, Joel Chasnoff volunteered for a combat unit of the Israel Defense Forces. He was voted Outstanding Soldier of the Company and co-led operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah. In this riveting—and often hilarious—presentation based on his best-selling memoir The 188th Crybaby Brigade, Chasnoff brings you face to face with daily life in a combat platoon of the IDF, from basic training to Tank School to covert operations in Lebanon; the induction process, including Israel’s legendary method for evaluating draftees and assigning them to military units; and Tohar Ha-neshek, or Purity of Arms—Israel’s code of ethics for moral behavior in battle.
Comedy Tonight: Stand-Up Comedy with Joel Chasnoff
Joel Chasnoff is often referred to as the Chris Rock of the Jews—and with good reason. His hip, sophisticated humor is a welcome change from the Borscht Belt comics of old. When Chasnoff takes the stage, audiences are guaranteed an hour of nonstop laughter based on real Jewish experiences, not stereotypes—everything from Chasnoff’s stint on his day school basketball team to the challenges of being a 24-year-old American in a platoon of Israeli teenagers.
Laughing Through History: 30 Jokes in 60 Minutes
We all know that Jews are funny. But why? Is it simply laughter through tears or is there more to these people’s renowned sense of humor? In this eye-opening and hysterical presentation, Joel Chasnoff explores the history and future of Jewish comedy, from the Garden of Eden to Curb Your Enthusiasm and everything in between. Topics include humor in the Bible (hint: God is funnier than you think); the link between the Talmud and Annie Hall; and the role of humor in the Holocaust, including examples of Jewish poetry, comedy, and song in concentration camps. Along the way, Chasnoff shares his favorite jokes and encourages his audiences to share theirs!
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