Show notes
In this delightful and hilarious episode of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, comedian Modi Rosenfeld opens up about faith, fame, identity, and building unity through Jewish comedy. Recently named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 10 New York Comedians, Modi discusses what it means to be a proudly Jewish comedian in today’s cultural climate, and why laughter is his path to creating what he calls “Messianic energy.”From performing at the Comedy Cellar, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and soon Radio City Music Hall, to navigating conversations with fellow comics like Dave Chappelle and Ben Shapiro, Modi shares candid insights on comedy, politics, and Jewish pride.He reflects on growing up Israeli in America, coming out as gay later in life, marrying his husband Leo, and supporting LGBTQ inclusion within the Orthodox community through organizations like Eshel. Modi also reveals how COVID, Zoom shows, and social media transformed his career into a global brand with audiences in Israel, Europe, and beyond.With humor and heart, this episode explores Judaism, comedy, Israel, identity, and the power of laughter to bring people together in divided times.Topics discussed include:Modi Rosenfeld on being a “Jewish comedian” vs. a comedian who happens to be JewishRoasting Ben Shapiro at a Commentary Magazine eventFollowing Donald Trump at the Republican Jewish CoalitionTouring internationally in Israel, Paris, Berlin, and LondonProcessing October 7th and performing in Europe amid rising antisemitismGrowing up Israeli-American on Long IslandMarriage, faith, and partnership with husband LeoSupporting LGBTQ Orthodox Jews through EshelPreparing for his upcoming Radio City Music Hall debutBuilding a global audience via Instagram and post-COVID Zoom comedyThe meaning behind his tour title: Pause for LaughterMentioned In The Episode:Anti-Jew Libels DECONSTRUCTED - Jonah Platt Debunks 4 Lies About Israel & The Jewish People (Part 1)Modi Rosenfeld WebsiteModi Rosenfeld InstagramThe reasons why what is happening in Gaza is not genocideAmnesty International is among the NGOs bashing IsraelGrand Mufti of Jerusalem and his aid to the NazisB’tselem’s “broader analytical framework” The U.N. Official Who Said Hamas is not a Terrorist OrganizationThe U.N. Condemned Israel 17 Times, more than the rest of the world combined Alice Nderitu of the U.N. said Israel’s campaign in Gaza doesn’t meet the definition of genocide. She was fired.Anyone can be a member of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, Including Cookie Monster and Emperor PalpatineArab countries ban Al-Jazeera Israel distributes over 1 million polio vaccines in GazaPalestinian death toll passes 70,000Defining genocide in a post WW2 worldIsreal’s critics rewrite the definition of genocideHineni Society Event with World-Renowned Comedian ModiDavid Attel InstagramJeff Ross InstagramJerry Seinfeld InstagramChris Rock Who are the classic Catskill ComediansOld Jewish Catskill Comedian's Classic JokesThe Messianic EraRelease of latest Epstein files unleashes online wave of antisemitic conspiraciesModi | Know Your Audience (Full Comedy Special)Q&A | Comedian Modi Is Running on ‘Moshiach Energy’What Are Tefillin?The Gestapo: OverviewJewish comedian Modi Rosenfeld, a mainstay for Orthodox audiences, is gay. So what?The Comedy CellarBen Shapiro Roasted By MODIDave Chappelle Mocks “I Stand With Israel”Dave Chappelle and the Space JewsJon CarhartRepublican Jewish CoalitionU.S. Congressman Mike JohnsonOrthodox Judaism and LGBTQ IssuesEshel Ritual Hand Washing Before MealsWhat is Chabad?A New LightFran LiebowitzModi Rosenfeld, Gay Jewish Comedian, Talks ‘Moshiach’ Energy, Celebrating Shabbat and Comparisons to Robin Williams and Richard PryorTa’anit 22a-b: A Place in the World to ComeFrance reports dozens of antisemitic acts since Hamas attackThe History of HatikvahSupport the podcast directly by becoming a member of the Kehillah.Watch Being Jewish on YouTube:www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcastSubscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter:bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletterFor Sponsorships, please email:[email protected]://beingjewishpodcast.com/merchTo contact us & all things BJJP:www.BeingJewishPodcast.comFollow Jonah on:Instagram - @JonahPlattX - @JonahPlattFollow Being Jewish on:Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcastTikTok - @BeingJewishSubscribe to Ora, A Luxury Jewish Lifestyle and Culture Magazine. https://oramag.co/Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, Production Interns: Sasha Nelson, Emma Webb, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt