Director sheds light on Jewish humor through movie clips

Award-winning Israeli film director Einat Kapach explored Jewish humor with area residents Sunday as part of Southeast Missouri State University's International Education Week.

"Humor is very important to us when we face reality, especially when reality is bad," Kapach said.

Kapach showed clips from movies such as "Fiddler on the Roof," "Annie Hall," "Some Like It Hot" and "The Frisco Kid," explaining the role of Jewish humor in each.

She discussed the evolution of Jewish humor through history -- from the time it was first developed in the 18th century, through World War II and into the present day.

Mixing tragedy, criticism and humor is traditional in Jewish jokes, Kapach said.

"When we hear Jewish jokes, we can laugh. But we can cry at the same time," Kapach said. "Humor helps control the moment."

During the presentation, Kapach discussed the works of filmmakers such as Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Billy Wilder and the Marx Brothers.

Kapach, who is currently writing a play, said more than 80 books have been written about Jewish humor, and the subject is taught at universities across the country.

Event organizer Jill Venezian, who serves as the university's coordinator of international programs, said they had hoped to have a film director speak in conjunction with the International Festival.

"We were thrilled and amazed that it came together," Venezian said. "It was wonderful."

While only a handful of people attended the presentation, those who were there said they enjoyed it.

"It was very interesting, especially having grown up in New York and attended Yiddish theater with my grandparents," said Eileen Steinburg of Cape Girardeau. "It made me very nostalgic."

Southeast's International Festival will continue with a variety of events throughout the week, including a film screening Tuesday, a study abroad fair Thursday and an Indian mock wedding Friday.