Kosher Komedy happy at new home

Comedy was once a clean business comprised of short stories and one-liners and it was once a Jewish business as well. While comedy among Jews is still a thriving field, the raunchy content of mainstream comedians has driven away Orthodox audiences.

For the past two years, Woodmere television producer Kenny Gluck, 41, has made his mission to promote clean comedy through the Kosher Komedy traveling show.

“When Ray Romano and Jerry Seinfeld got started, they were funny without the filth, and so is our comedy. We are making it acceptable in the religious world,” Gluck said. With charity as its goal, Kosher Komedy traveled around the metropolitan area with shows every two months on behalf of Jewish causes. But while the causes are plentiful, venues have been difficult to locate. “It was hard to find a restaurant that would give us a night and provide alcohol. We needed a home base where we could hold regular shows,” Gluck said. “Some of the places where we held past shows have since closed.” On April 5, the popular Upper West Side club Stand Up New York gave Gluck the space for a regular show.

“On a regular Tuesday night, they normally get 25 people, and we brought in 85 with reservations for more,” Gluck said, describing the location as a respected comedy club that has raised the profile of Kosher Komedy among professional comedians. “One of the things we’d like to do is to tap into the local Jewish community, this is a spot where they can feel comfortable,” said Stand Up New York manager, Benjy Susswein.

While the comedians were not Orthodox, their resumes commanded respect in the profession, with past appearances on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Conan O’Brien. “The comedians don’t have to be Jewish, but they must be kosher. Even if late night television and cruise ships are not clean, the comedians must guarantee a clean act,” Gluck said.

At a March 5th event for the women’s Zionist group Emunah of America in Cedarhurst, comedians Rick Colon and Kenny Marcus tore into the audience. “The comedians knew that it’s the suburbs and a community event. The material hit close to home, but it was comfortable for the audience,” said Lawrence resident Elana Oved, who organized the event.

While Gluck promises to continue entertaining at charity events, the permanent location is giving Kosher Komedy an address that has attracted a much broader audience. “We have partnered with Saw You at Sinai and JRetro Match for singles who want comedy,” Gluck said. Kosher Komedy is also making its own stand on television with Jewish Life TV recording the event. “They speak about their families and dating experiences, and they know their audiences,” Oved said. “It broadens the horizons of people who would normally not attend comedy shows.”