Editor’s note: No lawsuits were filed, no careers were canceled, and nobody was forced to explain a Sacha Baron Cohen sketch to their rabbi during this interview.

This Thursday, Sept. 25, local journalist and reluctant public speaker Jordan Palmer returns to the Mirowitz Center for the next installment of his celebrated non-award-winning lecture series “Why is Jewish Humor So Darn Funny?”

This time, the topic is controversy. Or more specifically, ten Jewish comedians who regularly poked society’s pressure points with a sharp stick—intentionally or otherwise. The session is called “Controversial Jewish Comedians: Laughing at Taboos” and yes, it will include both laughter and discomfort. Possibly in equal measure.

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To figure out how this topic got selected (and why he keeps doing these things), we sat down with the only person willing to talk about it: myself.

Jewish Light: Why this topic now—controversial comedians?

Jordan Palmer: I couldn’t think of any other topic, but then I interviewed Michael Newmark and his brother Tom about growing up around Gaslight Square, and they mentioned Lenny Bruce. So I thought, what the heck. Then Tom Lehrer passed away, and I took that as a sign. Admittedly not a huge sign—more of a polite nudge from the universe.

Jewish Light: Are you nervous about offending anyone with this talk?

Jordan Palmer: Not really. My dad once said, “No one can upset you without permission.” I think the same applies to getting offended. It’s on you, pal. Not me.

Jewish Light: Can you name a few comedians who made the cut—and why?

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Jordan Palmer: Well, I’ve already named two. Do you want me to give the whole thing away? Fine: Sarah Baron Cohen and Sacha Silverman.

Jewish Light: Wait—did you really reverse those names just to confuse people?

Jordan Palmer: Absolutely. I’m controversial that way. If I can’t make you laugh, I’ll at least make you squint.

Jewish Light: What should people expect when they walk in that room?

Jordan Palmer: To be able to sit.

Jewish Light: You’ve done the Marx Brothers, the Stooges, Jewish women in comedy—how is this session different?

Jordan Palmer: Well, this session is not about any of those things. So there’s that.

Jewish Light: Any advice for the audience before they come?

Jordan Palmer: Maybe bring an open mind, a sense of humor and a friend who doesn’t mind cringing occasionally.

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 1 p.m.
Mirowitz Center, 8 Millstone Campus Drive
Free and open to the public. Registration required.

Click here to register
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (314) 733-9813

Attend one or all sessions in the series – prior attendance not necessary. We hope you can join us for an afternoon of laughter, squirming, and some very awkward punchlines.