American Jewish comedian and recovery advocate Chani Lisbon will bring her blend of humour, faith and personal testimony to a special comedy show in Sydney this Sunday evening.
During her Sydney visit this week, Lisbon has spoken at several Jewish schools and visited Jewish recovery groups. Drawing on her own experience, she has educated students about the dangers of alcohol misuse and addiction while offering people in recovery a message of hope, personal responsibility and the importance of community support.
Chani speaking to students at Emanuel School, Sydney (photo supplied)
Lisbon has spoken publicly about beginning to drink at 15 and later becoming dependent on alcohol. She says she will mark 19 years without alcohol on August 16, while emphasising that remaining sober still requires daily commitment.
Raised in Los Angeles as one of 11 children, Lisbon has reflected on why she developed alcohol dependence when her siblings did not. Her talks avoid simple explanations, instead emphasising personal responsibility, community support and taking recovery one day at a time.
She also speaks about rebuilding her relationship with God and Judaism during recovery, after losing touch with her faith while drinking.
Lisbon is now a comedian and motivational speaker who appears at comedy clubs, colleges, Jewish community organisations, rehabilitation facilities and private events. She produces the UnOrthodox Comedy shows in New York and Florida and has performed across the United States, Europe, Israel and Central America.
Jewish House will present Lisbon in More Jewish Laughs? Yes, Please! this Sunday, 9 August, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Organisers describe the event as a night of “unapologetic Jewish joy”, offering comedy, company and community connection after a difficult period.
General admission is $36, plus a $1.40 booking fee. A flexible-price option allows people for whom the standard price is a barrier to pay what they can. Jewish House is also offering complimentary tickets to people deeply affected by the Bondi attack.
Tickets are limited, and the location will be advised.
Bookings: Humanitix.