Today we’d like to introduce you to Menachem Silverstein.
Menachem, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. As a kid, I always dreamed of being a standup comedian and screenwriter but never imagined pulling it off as a religious Jew. Once I got a little older, I started going to open mics and writing scripts in my free time. My parents always wanted me to become a lawyer, but instead of studying for my LSAT, I would write scripts. After completing my first pilot script, I was able to procure literary management in LA, and shortly after getting married, I made the plunge and moved to Los Angeles. In LA, I was lucky enough to start writing comedic sketches for TBS Digital and IFC Digital. I was working with Amazon Studios on a pilot concept where I would play an Orthodox Jewish comedian, which pushed me to take standup comedy seriously. I’m currently a regular at the Laugh Factory and am working on multiple television projects.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being an Orthodox Jew gets in the way. I can’t perform on Friday nights, I won’t cut my beard, I ear a kippah. I also have to deal with the social repercussions my career can have on my family in the eyes of my community.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a standup comedian and scriptwriter. My orthodox upbringing gives my humor a unique and distinct flair.
What were you like growing up?
I was very outgoing and social. Always trying to make people feel comfortable a laugh. I would also round up my siblings to put on plays for my parents.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11268 Dona Lola Drive
- Phone: 3474141859
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: menachemsilverstein
- Facebook: menchemsilverstein
- Twitter: menachemsilver
Image Credit:
@lizvig @Zushagolden
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