Throughout their history Jews have used comedy as a response to enmity, persecution and powerlessness. Its themes emphasizing wordplay, irony, and satire are often highly anti-authoritarian mocking religion and secular life, but they are also self-deprecating and selfpraising. Modern Jewish humor took root in America when Jews immigrated from eastern Europe during the 1880s to the early 1920s. Their comedy flourished in Vaudeville and continued on to radio, stand-up comedy, film, and television. Throughout the 20th century a disproportionally high percentage of American comedy was being written and performed by Jews. Why is it so much a part of being Jewish and why is it funny to non- Jews? Come prepared to learn and laugh.