Why do Jews love to laugh through the pain?

Don’t miss this raucously funny panel discussion about the Jewish tradition of coping with trauma through comedy. From meme pages to podcasts, and of course, stand-up comedy – Jews just love a joke! Enjoy fresh perspectives on intergenerational trauma, and why Jews still flock to the comedy industry. Featuring David Baddiel, Ben Ellwood, Shoshana Gottlieb and Robyn Reynolds. This event is partnered with Matzah Productions, producers of the Jewish Comedy Showcase.

This event is part of the Sydney Jewish Writers Festival, 23 – 27 August. The Festival will host 20 live in-person events featuring more than 25 Australian-based speakers along with prominent international writers. These great minds will gather to discuss, dissect and explore this year’s Festival theme, Identity. Discover the complete program and book tickets here.

DAVID BADDIEL is a comedian, author, screenwriter, television presenter and Jewish activist. Following the publication of his bestselling polemic ‘Jews Don’t Count’, David has been at the forefront of tackling antisemitism in the media, sport, and more broadly, the progressive left. The book became The Sunday Times Politics and Current Affairs Book of the Year, 2021.(Photo: Steve Best_Xavicus Media).

ROBYN REYNOLDS is an award-nominated comedian and writer, originally from the UK. In 2022 she was nominated for Best Comedy at Sydney Fringe Festival, and shortlisted for the Emerging Writer Award (NIDA). A captivating performer, Reynolds has sold out across multiple festivals. Reynolds draws light from the darker moments in life. “Reynolds is a gregarious raconteuse” – ArtsHub.

SHOSHANA GOTTLIEB is a writer and Jewish educator based in Sydney. She has spent the last three and a half years posting silly jokes on the internet and getting recognised for it on the streets of Jerusalem. Shoshana has an honours degree in Creative Writing and a certificate of Advanced Jewish Education. Her mother thinks she would’ve made an excellent doctor.

BEN ELLWOOD is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, TV writer and dog trainer. He is currently writing for Hard Quiz and The Project. Ellwood is a seasoned comedy writer and a beloved staple of the Sydney Comedy Scene. For Elwood, comedy is blood borne. His grandfather was a victim of the Jewish Holocaust who claimed that laughter and comedy is what kept him going through all the hardships.

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