About our Guests

Joel Chasnoff

Joel Chasnoff is not your grandfather’s Jewish comedian! A Chicago native and former Lone Soldier in the IDF, Joel has performed his unique brand of clean, Israel-positive comedy for more than 1,000 Jewish communities in ten countries. 

He is the author of four books, including the bestselling memoir The 188th Crybaby Brigade about his experience as a Lone Soldier in the Israeli army, and the forthcoming Israel 201. 

In Israel 201, Joel and his co-author Benji Lovitt pull back the curtain to unveil a more complete and comprehensive portrait of Israel that extends beyond the typical Israel narrative. 

In the words of former prime minister Ehud Barak, whose effusive blurb appears on the back cover: “This wonderful book will show you the Israel you didn’t know you didn’t know.”  

The book has received advanced praise from some of the biggest names in the Jewish world, including a front- and back-cover blurbs from Mayim Bialik, Yossi Klein Halevi, and David Broza.

Joel currently lives in Ra’anana, Israel, with his Israeli wife and their four kids. Video clips and more about Joel at www.joelchasnoff.com. 
 

Benji Lovitt

Since immigrating to Israel in 2006, Texas-native Benji Lovitt has delivered standup comedy and cultural presentations for audiences around the world. His perspectives on Israeli society and cultural differences have been featured on Israeli television and radio and in media outlets such as USA Today, BBC Radio, Time Magazine, the Atlantic, the Times of Israel, and more. 

Lovitt has opened for comedians including Jim Gaffigan and Elon Gold and has worked as a cross-cultural trainer with Israel’s Foreign Ministry. During 2014's Operation Protective Edge, his humorous observations on the war led to his being called in Israel "the only reason to go on Facebook.”

Benji is the co-author of the forthcoming book Israel 201. In Israel 201, he and his co-author Joel Chasnoff pull back the curtain to unveil a more complete and comprehensive portrait of Israel that extends beyond the typical Israel narrative.

Benji currently lives in Tel Aviv. Visit him at www.benjilovitt.com.