“Iran certainly doesn’t understand the resilience of Jewish women — we were preparing for a three-day Yom Tov and that’s when they chose to send us running to bomb shelters?” remarked Joan Weiner, explaining that except for a few burnt challahs, all the food was prepared and ready on time for Rosh Hashanah.
Joan Weiner’s journey from New York/New Jersey to Israel and from journalism to comedy is a story shaped by resilience, humor and a deep commitment to her heritage. As a comedian, Weiner delivers laughs to audiences in both Israel and the U.S., often providing much-needed relief during turbulent times. Her unique brand of humor blends observant Jewish life, the trials of being an olah and the weight of the current climate, all through the lens of her lived experience. For Weiner, comedy isn’t just entertainment; it’s a way to connect, uplift and communicate the realities of life in Israel, especially now.
Weiner was born in Long Island, raised in East Meadow, and comes from a family of baalei teshuva. She attended HANC (Hebrew Academy of Nassau County) before spending a transformative year in Israel at Machon Gold. “I loved it and loved Israel,” she recalled, “and wanted to come back.” After earning a degree in English from Stern College with hopes of becoming a writer, she pursued a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University, spending time with the local Chabad community where she realized that she wanted to learn more, know more. Weiner eventually deepened her religious studies in Tzfat, where a six-month stay turned into six years.
After her time in Tzfat, Weiner moved to Jerusalem to work and experienced the loss of a roommate in a terror attack during the Second Intifada. Despite the hardships, she was determined to make her life in Israel, and in 2014, after a few years in the U.S. with her husband, Avi, Weiner made aliyah. “It was always the plan,” she said, adding, “We wanted to raise our children here and felt that a Jew’s full experience of Judaism is in Israel.” With her husband, a former Wall Street finance professional now working in Israeli high tech, they settled into their new life, albeit with humorous adjustments.
Her love for comedy took root in New York in 2003 where she entered — and won — a comedy contest. Weiner quickly realized the need for “clean, Jewish, uplifting material that honors Judaism,” especially when many secular Jewish comics seemed hesitant to express pride in their heritage. Today, Weiner’s comedy addresses the many idiosyncrasies of life as an olah and Jewish mother, often performing for nonprofit fundraisers and at clubs. Recently, her sets have offered audiences a brief escape from the tension of daily life, especially during the current war.
With humor that’s equal parts self-deprecating and insightful, Weiner said her material comes from the everyday challenges of “being a wife, mother, olah, observing things in Jewish life.” She pointed out the unique contradictions Jewish women face: “Jewish women are elevated but rooted in the mundane.” Her sets range from 10-40 minutes and often touch on what she describes as “being fine but not fine.” She explained, “How can anyone be fine, but we have to be fine. Everything is great, but it isn’t.”
Her humor also highlights the strange adjustments to Israeli life, which often seem to amplify during challenging times. “As an olah,” she joked, “everything seems backward — not just the language. When something goes wrong, we start to question the entire Zionist enterprise — why is my bus late!” Weiner laughed about the little things that throw her off: “Paper isn’t 8.5×11 like in the States, and people can’t park. I feel confused all the time. Still don’t know what a kilo is. I got an orchardful of apples for Rosh Hashanah and have been giving them to neighbors for weeks!”
Weiner sees comedy as an important tool for coping and resilience, especially for Jews, who have historically used laughter to get through tough times. “Jews have always used laughter to survive the most difficult times; it’s okay. It’s part of our mental health despite there being so much that’s not funny,” she reflected. The reality, she notes, can be surreal.
The ongoing war has only amplified the sense of uncertainty that permeates her daily life. “What is our life like?” she said, addressing American audiences curious about life in Israel. “It’s amazing — because it doesn’t stop because of the war. Everything you had before in daily life is here and now there’s war, too.” She explained that nearly everyone she knows has loved ones in the army, with friends and neighbors who have lost family members or who have been injured. Planning for tomorrow, she said, is difficult when “you’re not sure if Iran will attack tonight.” Still, her commitment to staying grounded and bringing joy to others through humor remains strong.
Weiner’s comedy is also informed by her role as a mother. Her two teenagers, though sometimes nervous about becoming material for her sets, provide plenty of inspiration. “My daughter gets to see me perform for the first time this trip,” she said, when she will be performing in the New Jersey/New York area until Dec. 17. She added that kids are an excellent source of material because of their fresh perspective on life’s contradictions.
Weiner’s day job in cybersecurity marketing occasionally takes her on the road, and she embraces the opportunity to connect with audiences through laughter. She believes that comedy also gives women in particular a platform to share their distinct perspective. As Weiner said, “Women bring a different perspective than men” and in the context of the war and the current challenges in Israel, her voice is one that resonates powerfully with her audience.
In the end, Weiner’s comedy serves as both a mirror and a balm for her listeners. She invites audiences to share in the humor and absurdities of life in Israel, creating space for laughter even in the most difficult moments. As she put it, “People are very grateful for the opportunity to laugh and breathe a bit. Many come over to me after a show and tell me that it was good to take their mind off it for a while.” Weiner’s performances don’t just entertain; they provide relief, camaraderie and a reminder that even amid uncertainty, there’s room to laugh, connect and find strength.
To learn more about Weiner, email her at [email protected] or visit her website, joanweiner.com.
Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedakah money away wisely, efficiently and effectively for over 25 years — and has a great sense of humor. No, really! In addition, he consults to hi-tech startups, and is an expert in social media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected].
