It all started with the word “yes”…

A few years ago, my friend, Susy Miller called me and told me about her idea to involve the community in an evening of joke telling to raise funds for Jewish Family and Child Services. Would I like to come on board to produce the films for the event! Susy and I go way back to when we both worked at Saffer Advertising. She was an account executive and I was a producer. I was immediately in. Yes, because I thought it was a tremendous idea, and I believe in the organization, but mostly yes because of how I feel about the woman who has spearheaded this initiative with her sister-in-law Ellen Levine. Two tremendous leaders who have guided their team with a clear vision, conviction, commitment and warmth. This will be our second event together.

The dynamic duo indeed! They allow the people who they have asked to do a job, to do it. They have choreographed the two-step of stepping back and stepping in.

Enter…Jewish Folks Telling Jokes. Their leadership philosophy has translated to good will and fun, with a joy that is evident in the show. It’s a feel good night that celebrates our culture of joke telling. An evening of laughter! What could be better? Well, the show is an hour and a half, at the most beautiful concert hall, with only a couple of speeches, and no sit down dinner. Yes! I get tingles when I realize how many people from our Toronto community have come out to participate on film and are performing live on stage at Koerner Hall. Wow. It’s such a tribute to our community and overwhelming support for the agency.

So, did you hear the one about…

So much work, so much fun, and so much laughter.
You’ve heard it before – when you give of your time to volunteer you get so much more in return. I’ve been part of an extraordinary group of women, who check their egos at the door and bring support, creativity and hard work to the table. Being part of this committee has given me more skills than any job. It’s true. Because, when you are part of a volunteer team, you learn that everyone has something to contribute, and everyone has a good idea, and all are to be heard, considered and nourished. It’s the most important lesson – to listen, respect and honour.

It all starts with one small word, and blossoms into vocabulary of possibility.
Yes.

A young Jewish mother takes her little boy to his first day of kindergarten.
“Goodbye my love… My baby boo”
“Have a wonderful first day of class my little boogie-woogie shmu”
“Be good bubellah.”

At 3 o’clock she goes back to pick him up and embraces him the moment she sees him. She asks, “What did you learn today my little honey bear?”
He looks at her and says, “I learned that my name is David.”

Ba da bing! Come to the show!

May 20, 2014
Koerner Hall
For more information: www.jewishfolks.com