Laughing is a spiritual act, and in the Jewish calendar, today is the High Holiday of laughter. Today is Purim, a holiday which celebrates humor, clowning, and a people’s ability to come out okay even under the most precarious circumstances. In some ways, it the first Jewish comedy routine, and it’s why the Beliefnet.com gallery on Jewish comedians is worth checking out, especially today.
On a day that mixes mockery with seriousness, threat with redemption, and the importance of human initiative with dumb luck, we celebrate the jokesters who help us express our deepest desires and longings. If that is not a spiritual calling, I don’t know what is.

According to the Talmud, when all other gates of prayer are locked, the Gate of Tears remains open. And while we usually assume them to be tears of sadness, there is no reason to believe that they might also, or even especially, be tears of laughter.
I also don’t know if Jews are funnier than other people – I suspect not. I don’t know if the Jewishness of these comics is defined by their style, subject matter, or self-identification as Jews. But I am certain that comedy has been a sacred art for people across the centuries, and these folks are among its contemporary high priesthood. Enjoy them and have a Happy Purim!
BTW, if you happen to be looking for help with last minute Purim gifts for your friends and family, Mishloah Manot, just click here: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Judaism/2009/03/Purim-Baskets.aspx