The People of the Joke: Comedy as Continuity in American Jewish Life

Monday, October 27, 2025 7:00 PM EDT
Merten Hall, 1201

Why should we take comedy seriously? This talk dives into how popular media—and especially Jewish humor—can unlock surprising insights into American Jewish life. Over the past fifty years, concerns about assimilation and declining affiliation have fueled talk of a "continuity crisis,” but by looking beyond the usual metrics and into the world of comedy, we uncover a richer picture—one that reveals a healthier and more robust image of American Judaism.

Co-sponsored by GMU Judaic Studies, Mason Hillel, The Pozez JCC, and the JCRC.