Jews face a lot of tough situations, so sometimes, it’s good to get together and laugh, says Rabbi Shmuli Soroka, executive director of Shaarei Tefillah congregation.
With this in mind, the Toronto synagogue decided to make its upcoming fundraiser a comedy night. The event, “Raise the Roof Comedy Night,” to be held Saturday, Jan. 24, at the shul on Bathurst Street, will provide “much needed” funds to help repair the sanctuary’s roof, Rabbi Soroka said. It will feature American-born comic Benji Lovitt, who lives in Israel.
Though the evening’s primary objective is fundraising, Rabbi Soroka noted, “We were thinking about how to go about this, and we decided that getting everyone out laughing, celebrating Judaism and even laughing at Judaism, would be a great idea.”
Lovitt, who made aliyah in 2006, has performed for audiences throughout North America and Israel, including at Hillel and Jewish federation events and for Masa Israel Journey and Birthright Israel trips.
Known for his witty perspectives on aliyah and contemporary Israeli life, Lovitt has been referred to as the principal English-speaking standup comedian and writer in Israel.
He has written for and been profiled in a range of Israeli and North American media, including USA Today, Time magazine, Jerusalem Post and the Times of Israel, for which he blogs regularly.
Rabbi Soroka said he hopes the event will draw both members and non-members of Shaarei Tefillah, and he anticipates that individuals from across the age spectrum will be represented in the audience.
“We’re a well-established shul in the community, and, at the same time, we’re experiencing tremendous growth. We’re seeing a lot of young families joining,” he said.
To date, about 150 people are expected to attend.
Tickets, which are $100 each or two for $180, can be purchased online at www.shaareitefillah.com, by calling the synagogue office or at the door on the night of the event. Donation receipts for $50 and $80, respectively, are available to purchasers.
Doors open at 8 p.m, and the show begins at 8:30. Shaarei Tefillah is located at 3600 Bathurst St.
