![\"photo](\"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/feb-23-comedy.23.JSA-Michael-Geller-Headshot.jpg\")
<\/a>\u201cThis comedy night is a follow up to a similar event organized by JSA 13 years ago,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt was initiated by a phone call from the late Serge Haber, who called to tell me that the province had just canceled JSA\u2019s gaming grant, but he knew my father would want me to help replace the funds. I asked how much was the grant. He said it was $18,000. I told him that was too much for me, but I had an idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was a fan of the website Old Jews Telling Jokes. Since JSA served many older Jews, I offered to book a room, buy some deli, and invite 17 of my friends to join me and each put up $1,000 and we would entertain one another with our favourite Jewish jokes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haber \u2013 who founded JSA \u2013 liked the idea, as did the board, but they also wanted to join, and couldn\u2019t afford to pay $1,000 each. So, the format was changed to one where people would attend and donate what they could, said Geller. Held at Congregation Beth Israel, almost 250 showed up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe presented clips from Old Jews Telling Jokes and invited people in the audience to share a joke in return for a donation. Everybody agreed it was a fabulous event,\u201d said Geller. \u201cThere was just one small problem. We didn\u2019t raise very much money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSo, this year we are charging $118 dollars to attend. Some generous members of the community are coming forward and agreeing to be sponsors. This will allow other seniors in the community who can\u2019t afford $118 to attend. It has also allowed us to hire Tim Bissett, an experienced professional event organizer to assist with the program.\u201d<\/p>\n Expressing gratitude to the sponsors on behalf of JSA, Geller said, \u201cwe are hoping other community members will come forward, especially those who regularly share their favourite Jewish jokes on the golf course. Sponsors will be invited to participate in the program by telling a favourite joke or two, or introducing a favourite comedian or routine.\u201d<\/p>\n For his part, Geller is preparing for his role as emcee by watching vintage and contemporary Jewish comedians and selecting material. \u201cThe program will also include some professional comedians who are volunteering their time, and special appearances by local rabbis who have been urged to share stories they would never tell in shul,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI am thrilled to be celebrating our 20th anniversary and look forward to going from strength to strength as my own children now, believe it or not, become seniors!\u201d said Berger, who shared her appreciation for the organization that Haber started.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I gracefully age,\u201d she said, \u201cI thank Serge for enabling me to spend my golden senior years embraced by the love that Seniors Alliance offers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJSA undertakes many programs that benefit so many Jewish seniors, including the excellent Senior Line magazine,\u201d said Geller. \u201cWhile we are supported by many community organizations and foundations, we need additional funding. I am, therefore, hoping this evening will help promote the organization\u2019s good work and, this time, actually raise money to allow it to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>