Joel Chasnoff

Jewish Comedian & Best-Selling Author

Joel Chasnoff

Jewish Comedian & Best-Selling Author

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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

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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 188^th 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!

Testimonials

"I am impressed not only with the humor of Joel’s act, but also the source of his humor. One cannot help but recognize the value he places on the rich traditions of Judaism. It is very intelligent humor that brings audiences a deeper appreciation of what it means to be Jewish in a modern world."

- Yeshiva University

"Joel has the amazing ability to make us laugh while inspiring us at the same time. His keen understanding of what university-age students find humorous together with the humor of those of us who are ‘seniors’ is extraordinary."

- Hadassah

"It is so tiresome and sad to hear Jewish comedians who are disconnected from the Jewish soul; their humor reflects their own discomfort about being Jewish. Joel’s humor, meanwhile, is wonderfully informed by his knowledge of Jewish life and Judaism. When we laugh, we laugh at ourselves but we feel GOOD about it because we know that Joel feels good about it, too."

- Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago

"I looked around the room and saw 200 people laughing out loud at themselves, their families, and the joys that come with being Jewish."

- Congregation Beth Emek, Pleasanton, CA

"You hit the mark in every respect and showed our teens that Judaism is hip and cool. You infused them with pride in their Jewish education and traditions."

- Jewish Community Federation of Rochester

"It’s wonderful to find a comedian who knows how to be funny without being inappropriate. Your strong background in and passion for Judaism really make you a great role model for students."

- Temple Emanuel, Newton Centre, MA

"As I sat in the audience with young children, teens, and a few alte-cockers around me, everyone was laughing! Joel is a fresh young face for the growing insurgence of today’s practicing Jews. Move over Borscht Belt comedians and welcome Joel Chasnoff."

- Stephen S. Wise Temple, Los Angeles, CA

"Joel’s great humor, easy-going nature, and love of Judaism and Israel all came shining through. And the tremendous amount of laughter and joy that filled our sanctuary helped create a special night that the community will not soon forget."

- Temple Beth El, Northbrook, IL

'As a people, we have always been able to laugh; you showed our teens that we could laugh at ourselves with pride and appreciation for who we are."

- Congregation Brothers of Israel, Trenton, NJ