A Hasidic Female Comedian | Frieda Vizel speaks with Leah Forster

Рет қаралды 34,316

Күн бұрын

For the audio-only version of this video, see: www.spreaker.com/user/1708558...
For my channel members - an extended version of this interview here: • For Channel Members: U...
Leah Forster spent many years delighting Orthodox female audiences with her comedy. It is hard to overstate her success: she produced CDs, musicals, a ton of live acts, and was a household name among all Hasidic women. She was not only very funny and booked for major women's events, she was also an English teacher in Bais Yaakov for ears. In the last few years, Leah has been on a different path, as she was outed as gay and her place in the community fell apart. In this video, I ask her about her experience as a comedienne, and we talk about the many audiences that she has made laugh.
0:00 An overview of Leah's Hasidic and post-Hasidic comedy
4:58 How did you become a comedian?
11:36 Where did you grow up?
18:15 What was your comedy like for Orthodox women?
20:45 Why is it so hard to find your old comedy online?
27:44 Can you give examples of jokes you'd make when performing for frum audiences?
37:05 Are orthodox people offended by your imitations of Orthodox characters?
For Leah's work, check out her instagram or tiktok:
/ leahforster
/ hellowhellowleah
You can also find some of her DVDs on Amazon: amzn.to/3W8RsJe

Пікірлер: 122

@susanjaneleitner7670 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for introducing me to Leah! She is delightful! ❤️❤️

@bluebee5266 9 ай бұрын

Leah, you should remember that although you may have been officially "blotted out", you undoubtedly are living on in the memories of many in your old community and continuing to inspire and uplift.

@kaynewling3455 9 ай бұрын

WOW ... fabulous to be introduced to Leah, she is to clever and thoughtful. Leah and Frieda are two delightful and admirable women. Best wishes

@gb2850 9 ай бұрын

Most frum people laugh along with Leah Forster because she gets the nuances. Contrary to what everyone thinks the frum community is quite aware of our own issues and if you read our publications you can see the discussions that surround it.

@jungjeru3348 8 ай бұрын

Im curious about what "frum" means?

@watermelondreasymone7144 7 ай бұрын

@@jungjeru3348frum just means pious or religious

@jungjeru3348 7 ай бұрын

@@watermelondreasymone7144 oh okay that makes sense. Thanks for enlightening me 🙏

@libafried5840 4 ай бұрын

No, we don't laugh anymore at her jokes. It's sad what happened to her and we don't find her funny anymore, just pathetic.

@joyfairclough4686 4 ай бұрын

@@libafried5840why pathetic?

@loonshkij 9 ай бұрын

Endearing is the word... Leah's comedy seems to come from a place of affection for our very human quirks.

@phyllishershkowitz3806 9 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this Frieda. She is delightful.

@katecoletti4662 8 ай бұрын

I love your interviews, Frieda. Please keep them coming.

@charlenehind8394 9 ай бұрын

Brilliant conversation Frieda. Leah is so funny. Definitely brought some joy in a sad time. ❤

@eugenialesiuk1189 11 күн бұрын

I saw a video on instagram .I appreciate this interview .I had no idea that hassidic community had female comedians.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 10 күн бұрын

Thank you for watching! There is a whole hidden art world for Hasidic women but it's very hidden.

@BeeSmith 9 ай бұрын

I love to see the joy light up your face when Leah does her characters. I ❤ your channel as a Catholic in recovery raised in a pious home by a convert mom (sis is a Sister.) Plenty of parallels, especially with patriarchal aspects

@joannbarnstein5998 9 ай бұрын

Love this❤ I really appreciate your humor and perspective🥰 we all need comedy during difficult times.

@Silversoon78910 9 ай бұрын

What about the kids

@erbearthgarden3658 9 ай бұрын

This was an absolutely beautiful discussion! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

@jillclark6076 9 ай бұрын

Very interesting, as usual. Thank you for bringing us this interview.

@articufixrubin3106 9 ай бұрын

Kudos Frieda- you keep getting better with each interview! Thank you for profiling the talented, sensitive, hilarious Leah. Thank you for bringing smiles and for shining your light during these dark times. Zei Gebentsht

@sara35ish 9 ай бұрын

What a lovely interview. Thanks Frieda

@brigitte9999 9 ай бұрын

Thanks Ladies! I admire you both for forging your own trails. 💖

@jeanetteyorba198 9 ай бұрын

Thank you Thank you for bringing this young woman to us!!! Yea! For loving, living, life affirming laughter! Blessings!

@shaindystern1038 9 ай бұрын

I still remember when she came to Montreal she was amazing wishing everyone a wonderful shabbos

@lyndaalterio1027 5 ай бұрын

Leah you are absolutely terrific! I am so very happy that Frieda brought you on to her show. Bless you both!!! 💖💖💖💖💖

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 5 ай бұрын

She is a hilarious woman. I wish I could upload some of her old clips from the dvds I see sold online to show them to you all.

@Charlotte66666 9 ай бұрын

Loved this ❤

@bonnieschechner9476 8 ай бұрын

In this time of such sadness it was such a delight to watch this podcast! Leah was funny just being Leah. So Much if your content is serious, although you always find the bright light in it ( which I love) I think this episode was delightful! Thank you for introducing me to Leah Forster.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. I appreciate y our kind comment.

@lena-roseorlando219 8 ай бұрын

Enjoyed this interview. I wish you peace in her heart…and joy.

@martinelanglois3158 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for introducing Leah to those of us who didn't know her before. Very interesting and funny. 👏👏

@llrrbbmm 9 ай бұрын

really enjoyed this. thanks

@user-vw4ru4hu2u 8 ай бұрын

Leah is absolutely adorable. She’s funny and for her to be so artistic and creative she must be very intelligent. Truly enjoyed ur interview. Thank u!!

@JowG-cw5mb 8 ай бұрын

Such a special personality, from London over here and we absolutely love Leah, keep going ❤️ 💖 💗

@kathrynbaker8215 8 ай бұрын

Frieda, I love all your videos and the insights they give to those of us who have no contact with the Orthodox communities.

@pamelacrowell2007 9 ай бұрын

I just love your channel!!! I also am grieving for the people of Israel

@sandyk13599 8 ай бұрын

What a beautiful interview. All the best to Leah!

@skippykatz 8 ай бұрын

Love this podast ladies! Thanks for sharing your journey Leah!

@clairedavid5469 9 ай бұрын

Frieda, Thank You for beginning this Friday morning with Leah =•) Brilliant early Shabbes morning with two women who model joy; success with authenticity. A needed respite in our battled and mourningful world. Am Yisrael Chai.

@NinaKeilin Ай бұрын

Great interview. She's so funny. Your channel is great.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Ай бұрын

she is mega talented and always makes me laugh

@elizabethandrus3848 9 ай бұрын

Very interesting interview with Leah. I loved when she spoke of her love of homemaking alongside of her professional career.

@lauralutz4538 9 ай бұрын

Yentatainment!😂😂😂

@maril1379 9 ай бұрын

Very interesting thumbs up. Watching now from Manhattan. I am Jewish (not Orthodox) and I would enjoy her comedy. Watching part she left wow. I am sorry she has had struggles. To those people who were unkind to her they are not following Torah guidelines to be kind. It really bothers me that some so called "religious" people are unkind. I have heard this talked about by Modern Orthodox rabbis to be kind.

@sarahbasse3211 8 ай бұрын

Thank you both for sharing so much of yourselves in this video. I’m on what you might call the “opposite” journey of becoming increasingly frum, from a progressive and secular background. Many of those “progressive” values are still sacred to me, and I see them as vital parts of living my own Jewish mission. Navigating so many competing interests and facing personal sacrifice for the privilege of living the life that feels right for you…those seem like common themes in our experiences. Sending so much love and admiration for the ways both of your stories embody the beauty of klal Yisrael and help so many of us to feel seen and understood. It takes all kinds, as they say, so let’s start focusing on our shared journeys and traditions and stop segregating ourselves by sect. Let’s make room for that abundance!!! (Taking that one with me too!!) Thank you Leah for the uplifting comedy so especially needed at this hard moment. Am Yisrael Chai ❤

@mimzers1 7 ай бұрын

Leah!! I support you I always have!!! Keep going!!!

@judithmagertmoskovits4268 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for keeping “parve”. Really enjoyed ❤

@patriciak12 9 ай бұрын

Frieda, this video came out so early today. I'm lucky I looked at youtube or it would have been hidden in my feed. This is the time my UK videos come out.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

Yeah, I was worried that if I publish it close to NY shabbes time it will get even more buried. Maybe I should have waited till Monday!

@patriciak12 9 ай бұрын

I'm not your target viewer and in a different timezone. I am a loyal viewer because I love seeing things outside my own narrow culture. I really enjoy your videos.

@willclayton9909 9 ай бұрын

leah forster you should do a stand up comedy where you give relationship advice, you definitely have the experience!!

@Armybrat173 9 ай бұрын

Wow,I love Leah .I never liked comedians or stand up comedy. Most of the jokes are either stupid, or I don't get the joke. Leah is very funny and I laughed. She has a new fan now.

@_wesleyhome_ 9 ай бұрын

Such a huge fan of Leah's for years!

@chrissiewalker8980 9 ай бұрын

Amazing woman! I think humour is so valuable as an observation of society. Women offer a unique view of life. We are so often reluctant to be funny - it not ladylike- but it is sometimes a vehicle to address issues which might be difficult. Wish this lady lived next door to me. She could do my cleaning and I could bake Kugel. X

@jimdeane3667 5 ай бұрын

Absolutely loved listening to both of your comments. Two smart, funny Jewish women. It's truly a delight. For Leah regarding how she described her brand as "relatable comedy" and what that means... Leah, there is an expression found in the Torah generally and in Chassidus more specifically and especially in Chabad Chassidus quoting the Alter Rebbe, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe from the Tanya, "כל חד וחד לפום שיעורא דיליה כו׳". Meaning how everyone is capable of relating to and revealing G-d's absolute truth and kindness in the world...each and every individual, according to how G-d has created them in a custom-tailored fashion. Each individual is different and all are unique in what and how they perceive; and together with that all are essential to G-d's plan for Creation. Only blessings for good to you both, and please continue to serve G-d with joy and spread the light!

@libafried5840 4 ай бұрын

Are you going to quote the Rebbe here in a situation where a frum Jew becagay? Your Rebbe would no doubt have much tsar from this.

@popcoloure 8 ай бұрын

Wishing leah much happiness and good things!!

@yeppiesheppie 9 ай бұрын

“Men are the barometer!? Leah…” had me ROLLING

@gabesimmonds8421 9 ай бұрын

Like the title you gave this video.😂

@Computra 9 ай бұрын

Lmao the taxi driver talking to his family is sooooo true! I've experienced this all over the USA!

@arizonasgotheat 9 ай бұрын

Leah, the beauty of your comedy (from what I saw) is every woman across the board can relate to you. Personally, I think there were comedians in the exodus out of Egypt. I can mentally come up with some funny stuff and I am not Jewish. Christians have the same Old Testament. I am still not sure if Moses looked like Charlton Heston or not.

@1BestCookie 2 ай бұрын

Wow wow wow. Leah Forster you are amazing, I grew up in Kiryas Yoel with your name known by every woman. It is so great seeing how you have evolved and changed and still imbracing your backround instead of running away from it.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 2 ай бұрын

Leah is an amazing person. Hello to my fellow Monroer!!

@1BestCookie 2 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn the same compliment applies to you BTW. You have also evolved and changed but you don't shy away from your past. BTW I had a classmate with your name but we pronounced it way differently, I had to read your name to realize it is a familiar chasidish name.

@jimmyjohnstone5878 9 ай бұрын

We need more women doing comedy. Leah is a talented woman.

@jimmyjohnstone5878 9 ай бұрын

I am glad that the legs on the model piano all remain vertical. Your fix of the squint one has remained effective.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

ha ha, I'm trying to make everyone happy!

@missiris1234 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for introducing us to Leah!

@marthakreimer6895 9 ай бұрын

Wonderful 😂

@rachaelnead4629 6 ай бұрын

I totally agree with where both of you are coming from... turning your own life and pain into purpose without throwing the baby out with the bath water and being able to show where you came from with love and generosity. I was honored to hear from both of you.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 6 ай бұрын

Rachel, it always brings me so much joy to hear from you! ❤️❤️

@VioletACordy 8 ай бұрын

🔆🌈🌲🌲FRIEDA: Thank you for this excellent interview😊🌷🌷Frieda, PIERS MORGAN (English-born) had an utterly vital and important interview ~ “Enough of this’: Hamas co-founder’s son speaks out”💜Frieda, it’s a brilliant testimonial ‘ ‘ ‘ SHALOM to you, your beloved Family and EVERYONE whom you love and cherish ~ violet Ada c (Toronto ~ Australia) I EMJOY ALL YOUR SMART INTERVIEWS 🌲🌳🦚🌲🌲🌲🌲

@stephengriffin4612 3 ай бұрын

Is there still a Yiddish theatre in NYC? Would be an interesting video.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 3 ай бұрын

There is some, but I think it's heyday is long gone. The Hasidic Yiddish theater is just at the start of its blossoming but it is a very different kind of theater.

@susanschnall3127 Ай бұрын

Leah you had an amazing mother she was what you call a real balabasta she is truly missed

@mollyfairchild8761 3 ай бұрын

OH,! Leah! I enjoyed this conversation and enjoy Frieda's vids SO much! Would you please define Hebrew, Yiddish words/expressions/jokes with which non Jewish people aren't familiar?

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 3 ай бұрын

Leah’s humor is super inside humor and I bet sometimes hard to translate!

@davidm587 9 ай бұрын

Did Leah do the balebooste and goyta Christina song ? V funny !

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

Yes. It's very funny. She's a real character.

@davidm587 9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklynWow amazing ! I really enjoy your KZfaq videos also . V professionally and respectfully made. Her comedy is so true , as I have taught in hundreds of Chasidishe homes in S Hill ( UK ) . V talented ladies ! TY for representing the frum kehilla positively .

@esterherschkovich6499 9 ай бұрын

So good to watch with everything going in in Israel 😢😢and in the world against us,against humanity...We do need humour ❤

@ariebrons7976 9 ай бұрын

Dear M.S vizel, Thanks for the video, in a completely unrelated topic; Could someone please explain the following words: Morlocken and Morzkopfen and Kaltunes from the laws regarding the Mikvah. These are names for hairbraids, but what kind of braids "מאר לאקן ,מאהר צעף "? KSA 161 law 20

@beans4853 9 ай бұрын

Loken means curls and tzep means braids. Dunno the third one. In mikveh context, its probably talking about how one needs to be careful to comb through if they have curly hair or wore braids.

@ariebrons7976 9 ай бұрын

@@beans4853 Thanks.

@molieb9480 9 ай бұрын

Kultenes is beard that is not well kept

@ariebrons7976 9 ай бұрын

@@molieb9480 But then why does the law in question apply to women then?

@beans4853 9 ай бұрын

@@ariebrons7976 it may be talking about the laws of mikveh for men. Check the context before and after

@gabyfields3235 9 ай бұрын

Aaaw--tell us about the small urn on your shelf---was it your doggie? I have the same cute urn for one of my kitties...

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

Yes, it's Snoopy. I miss him so very much. I'm so glad I have my kitties!

@gabyfields3235 9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Cats are wonderful too!

@gabyfields3235 9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Oh, Frieda, in this connection, may I ask what role pets (if at all) play in the life of Hasidim? Especially the more orthodox ones?

@ohevisrael 2 ай бұрын

I spent my early years in the Tosh community in Montreal

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Ай бұрын

You’re an inzerige!

@dutchman5673 9 ай бұрын

As a man. Why not give two thumbs up to women? Why not 👍👍

@Cosette2022 6 ай бұрын

😂 thanks

@shainajoseph5040 9 ай бұрын

She looks just like Natasha Lyonne!

@gothicyid 8 ай бұрын

Leah I'm curious how did you realize you were a lesbian in the community. Did you consider you would be bisexuality? I'm asking completely trying to understand and learn.

@FccFvf-ew6yi 8 ай бұрын

We're are, you too day

@pm2886 8 ай бұрын

With respect, people don't disapprove of you because they themselves are lacking something. They disapprove because they believe that your "lifestyle" causes actual harm.

@liseklerekoper2441 4 ай бұрын

Then don’t live that “lifestyle,” but stop trying to tell others how they should live or who they should be. For your information, being gay is not a “lifestyle choice.” Science has well-established that the overwhelming number of gay people were born that way. You can’t ask someone to change how God made them. Imagine if someone told you to stop being heterosexual. Sounds insane, right?

@willclayton9909 9 ай бұрын

it was from the weed

@willclayton9909 9 ай бұрын

go put that on a protest sign🤣

@raphaeltobaly7654 4 ай бұрын

Ilikeyou

@boathousejoed1126 9 ай бұрын

Do you want your two seats together?😂

@ChayaFriedman-cs6qs 6 ай бұрын

Reminds me of "Rabbi Greenspan"

@debrac1688 7 ай бұрын

Eiclers on the bottom shelf

@raphaeltobaly7654 4 ай бұрын

How are you

@raphaeltobaly7654 4 ай бұрын

Comment cava

@Silversoon78910 9 ай бұрын

You took off the sheitel but stop playing with your hair

@jww128 9 ай бұрын

She's not Hasidic.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

She's not anymore. She was born in Williamsburg, grew up in Boro Park. She's a household name among Hasidic women, although she was always considered a bit more modern than us.

@mooziet652 9 ай бұрын

She’s amazing and that’s what matters to me ❤

@beans4853 9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklynI doubt the young ones know her anymore...

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 9 ай бұрын

It's such a shame because her content is timeless - even if people avoid her newer stuff, the old stuff is still very clean.@@beans4853

@beans4853 9 ай бұрын

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I don't think it's because she was boycotted. She's not producing new content for this audience and others are...

@yittyklein6261 9 ай бұрын

What was isn’t . Seems it never was

@ruthfreedman 6 ай бұрын

Is it possible that you aren’t aware how incessantly your hands fly to your hair? It was unfortunately distracting. For proof, simply count the times. Leah: Frieda: It could improve your delivery A lot. Thank you.