What is a friend?
Someone who shows up for you. Supports you. Improves your life. Loves you unconditionally — even when you haven’t returned their text in three days or you forgot to like their Facebook vacation photos.
“Acquire for yourself a friend” (Pirkei Avot 1:6). Not the Facebook kind but a real friend.
Why? Because we all want to feel connected. We all need community, especially now. When I think about the word friend, I think about Jay Leno, whom I’ve known for 40 years. One of the funniest comics ever. Jay can rock a room like few others. Jay has no ego. No drama. No bs. Just heart. He’s the guy who shows up when needed. Besides performing in Las Vegas, and in theaters all over the country, he lends his name to many causes. And when it comes to Israel, he’s one of the first to show up. That’s a friend.
And in these hard times for Israel, we Jews know at least one thing: humor can help get us through. Why do you think we have so many benefits featuring comedy? We know an evening of humor can not only raise money but our spirits. We believe laughter is the best medicine… and if it’s not, it’s a close second.
And on Oct. 19, Jay will be headlining “Teaming with Laughter” for a very special organization, The Israel ParaSport Center. It’s a one-of-a-kind, life-changing rehab and adaptive sports organization in Ramat Gan, Israel, for Israelis with physical disabilities. And it’s not just for Jewish Israelis but for anyone with a disability, no matter what their background.
Imagine a place where someone who has suffered a spinal injury or stroke, lost a limb or been wounded by war or terror can go, not only to heal the body, mind and spirit — but to thrive. The Israel ParaSport Center is that place. Whether someone was born with a disability (such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida) or acquired one later in life, the Center offers adaptive sports, holistic rehab programs, social services, and a strong community that says: You can live a full, active and meaningful life. You belong. You matter.
This year’s event promises to be epic and filled with friends. Not only Jay, though come on, Jay Leno, but also comedy legend Fritz Coleman. He promises no rain that night. And me, Mark Schiff, who’s been on tour with Jerry Seinfeld for 25 years. Then there’s the very funny Avi Liberman, who’s done more for Israel than most prime ministers. There will be magicians from the renowned Magic Castle entertaining during dinner time. You won’t get that action sitting home in your underwear watching TV.
And the best part? You’ll get to meet the real stars: Israeli para-athletes from The Center. Their resilience will inspire you. Their presence will remind you that laughter and hope often go hand in hand. You will feel really good that you decided to come laugh for such an inspirational cause. As our friend and Center athlete and terror survivor Asael Shabo said when the war began, “We cannot let hate keep us from gathering, uniting, loving, living … and even laughing!”
One of the things we Jews have always done is find humor during difficult times – it lifts us up, lightens the load for a little bit,and brings us together.
So: Come. Laugh. Connect. Make a Difference.
Get your tickets now (www.israelparasport.org/twl-2025). Bring a friend or come alone and leave with a dozen new ones and a stomachache from laughing so much. If the stomachache persists, good chance there will be many doctors in the audience to help you.
Because when you show up, you’re not just enjoying a comedy show. You’re supporting Israelis with disabilities who – because of The Israel ParaSport Center – are empowered to live their lives without limits through the magic of sport. And that will help level the playing field. And that, my friend, is something worth showing up for.
Teaming with Laughter is presented by the U.S. Friends of the Israel ParaSport Center, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, with a Western Region office located right here in Los Angeles.
Mark Schiff is a comedian, actor and writer, and hosts, along with Danny Lobell, the “We Think It’s Funny” podcast. His new book is “Why Not? Lessons on Comedy, Courage and Chutzpah.”
