Jeremy Dauber - Comedy in America Ep.53

12/07/21 • 39 min

Are comedy and Biblical tradition in opposition to each other? Is humor an obstacle or an aid to a serious life, or a life of faith? This week Rabbi Lamm spoke to Columbia University professor Jeremy Dauber about the history and future of comedy in American society. They talked about individualism and community in the comedy business; how comedy can help shed light on some of the most important stories in the Biblical tradition; the role of animation and weirdness more broadly in pop culture; and, of course, the British Office vs. the American Office!

Good Faith Effort is a production of Bnai Zion and SoulShop.

Good Faith Effort is a production of Bnai Zion and SoulShop.

Previous Episode

MODI - From Jackie Mason to Yoely - Ep.52

When comedy comes from a super specific, unique perspective, does that make it inaccessible? Or, on the contrary, is that exactly what people are searching for: authenticity.

To unpack all this, Rabbi Lamm spoke to stand-up, actor and comedic genius MODI. Along the way they talked about how the purpose of comedy, what Hasidic Jews have to teach the world, the evolution of the Jewish voice in comedy from Jackie Mason to today, where antisemitism appears in the entertainment industry, and, of course, why Ari needs to ask shorter questions!

Next Episode

Judy Heumann - Disability Ep. 54

Disability. It’s one of those things many Americans just don’t like to talk about. And yet, not only should justice impel society to engage with disability, legendary disability rights activist Judy Heumann makes the point that actually all of us, at some point or another, will experience disability. So we better get to thinking about it! Ari and Judy sat down this week to unpack all this and much more on a moving, insightful episode.

Good Faith Effort is a production of Bnai Zion and SoulShop.