December 9, 2004

Los Gatos’ Congregation Shir Hadash hosts comedian Joel Chasnoff

Israeli Defense Force vet floors crowd at fund-raiser event

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Los Gatos’ Congregation Shir Hadash welcomed comedian Joel Chasnoff with hearty laughs and ‘smores Saturday, kicking off a Camp Shir Hadash fund-raiser.

The event attracted approximately 200 guests raising money to help alleviate the growing costs incurred sending the congregation’s children to Union Reform Judaism and Shir Hadash Grouped Youth camps. All money went to the Women of Reform Judaism, Congregation Shir Hadash Sisterhood Campership Fund.

Israel Defense Force’s veteran Joel Chasnoff humorously illustrates a point well-taken: it’s tough living Jewish.

Headliner Chasnoff’s comedy aligned brilliantly with the purpose intended of the Sisterhood. His demonstrative message pits the reality of Jewish experiences versus life in America today, tastefully chastising the very values which children learn attending ‘Jewish Camp.’ And Chasnoff would know. The University of Pennsylvania graduate shares a unique perspective having admittedly ‘grown up Jewish,’ attending ‘Jewish camps,’ learning to ‘live Jewish.’

Included in his repertoire were references to Jewish protocol, including day school, summer camp, living Kosher, and observing the Sabbath. Chasnoff painted experiences ranging from an inherent gambling condition as a result of the Dredel, to a bitter basketball game where an overmatched Jewish-focal God challenges the Catholic Trinity in three on one, half-court action.

“Joel was talking to us as Jews, but wasn’t putting us down,” said Ken Abrams, a congregation member—and opening act singer/songwriter at Camp Shir Hadash. “I think we all enjoyed it a lot. I bet there wasn’t a dry seat
left in the house,” he continued with a laugh.

Since 9/11 headlines have increasingly sensationalized faith for better or worse. And given recent international events including the death of Palestinian Liberation Organization head Yassir Arafat, there is a mounting consciousness regarding religion from group to group. Again attention has been devoted to Jews, in particular, who for millennia have been ostracized and persecuted.

Yet, the trait given as a reason for Judaism’s tenure amongst world religions and acknowledged by statesman and citizens alike is, ‘Jews persevere.’

Why?
Abrams, a former engineer at ebrary.com, offers that Judaism’s steadfastness lies in point of view. “Jewish humor is a classic, integral part of Judaism,” he said. “It’s self-deprecating humor, but where would you be without it?

Even following the Holocaust, you heard stories about the Jewish man sitting inside a café, reading Nazi newspapers. Another Jew walks up and says, ‘What are you reading that for?’ The first turns and says back, ‘What do you mean? Every other newspaper in the world is saying what a horrible state Judaism has fallen to and this paper here says we’re taking over the world!”

“It’s all how you look at things,” he said. “Family’s important and community’s important, and that’s what is emphasized in Judaism. We don’t have the concept of Heaven and Hell like Christianity. It’s how you live your life on Earth—a lot like volunteer work.”

“Judaism is centered on worship, study and deeds of loving kindness,” returned Congregation Shir Hadash Rabbi Melanie Aron. “Our synagogues are places of prayer and learning, community support and service.”

Shir Hadash in particular provides forums aimed to educate and activate.

“Our congregation offers a free class every fall which attempts to provide an introduction to Judaism,” continued Aron.

“Judaism is not an evangelical religion,” explained Jorey Beamesderfer, director of Congregation Shir Hadash Sisterhood. “Though for the sisterhood it became clear after attending several conferences that the most important thing we could do is help our kids. Kids who actively participate in Judaism tend to remain actively Jewish.”

According to the humor of Chasnoff, actively participating means summer camp and more—living life as a Jew to the fullest. Perhaps he explained Judaism best, responding to a question regarding his faith. “It’s not faith. I think this is one of the biggest ways in which Judaism differs from Christianity. One can lead a very Jewish life even while questioning issues of faith, such as the role of deity. Jewish living means, for me, the school I went to, the friends I made in this school and summer camp, the fact that I keep kosher and observe the Sabbath to some extent. It has some to do with ‘religion,’ but also with a belief that it’s the best way to live a quality life.”

Joel Chasnoff has performed in seven countries, including multiple performances for the President of Israel and three different Israeli Prime Ministers. He was the opening act for John Stewart of “The Daily Show” and toured U.S. military bases in Japan and Korea. Chasnoff is also a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, having served in South Lebanon.

For more information on the comedy of Joel Chasnoff visit www.joelchasnoff.com.

For more information regarding Judaism and Congregation Shir Hadash visit www.shirhadash.org.