Hello,
Throughout Ashkenazic Jewish history – at weddings there was a “entertainer” that one can view as a stand-up comedian.
See for example the words of Dr. Bichler:
“In order to forget their downtrodden state, the Jews encouraged levity at celebrations within their walls, and the people who were fed up with being bitter about others tried to increase the affection and camaraderie between themselves, using all skills the time enabled to be joyous and provide joy. They were accustomed to sending gifts, engaging in feasts and celebrating at any opportunity: the shabbat after engagement, when the groom would first be called up to the Torah through song and cries of jubilation; on the shabbat before the wedding and afterwards, when one of the group was honored with the term “honorary member” or “our teacher”; when dedicating a new house or entering a new residence; at the brit mila and pidyon haben, when the mother comes to the synagogue; at the time of the bar mitzvah drasha, or the wedding day – on each of these celebrations of dance and music with instruments was arranged, where Jewish songs were sung and entertainers delighted their audience with jokes and jest. Wedding meals at times stretched over a few days. The guests were invited to the feast, there the sivlonot were declared – the wedding gifts – by a organizer or entertainer while mentioning the name of the giver, without addition of sharp joking remarks”.
From here one can learn that not only is this profession permitted – it has a need.
Smiling, laughter, decreasing tension, introspection about life from the perspective of self-irony, etc. – is very much desired.
Your challenge isn’t in the profession.
It is in the content.
The challenge is to make a performance that has a lot of humor and levity, however with much love for others, looking at the best side of them, without disgracing or making ripples, etc.
And if you can do this – it is very
All the best,
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow
Head of the Tzohar Ethics Center
