Mordechai “Modi” Rosenfeld isn’t your typical stand-up comic. He wears a kippah, keeps kosher, observes Shabbat—and he’s proudly gay. In an industry often defined by edgy rebellion, Modi is carving out a unique space where faith, identity, and laughter coexist without contradiction.
Already a staple in Jewish community centers and synagogues across the U.S., Modi is now setting his sights on a much broader audience: “the Goyim, gays, and theys,” as he cheekily puts it.
From Yeshiva Student to Comedy Star
Born in Israel and raised in a Modern Orthodox household in New York, Modi spent his teenage years immersed in Torah study. But even in yeshiva, he stood out—not just for his sharp mind, but for his uncanny ability to mimic rabbis, cantors, and Hebrew school teachers.
“I’d do impressions at Shabbat dinners, and my cousins would lose it,” he recalls. “But I also knew I was different. Not just funny—gay. And that felt like a secret I couldn’t tell anyone in that world.”
It wasn’t until his 20s, after coming out to his family (who, to his surprise, embraced him), that Modi began performing publicly. His early gigs were at LGBTQ+ open mics, where he’d joke about Passover seders and dating apps in the same breath.
Why Modi’s Comedy Resonates
Modi’s act doesn’t just toggle between identities—it fuses them. His material explores the absurdity of trying to fit into both Orthodox Judaism and queer culture, often highlighting the contradictions with warmth, not bitterness.
Take his bit on “Shidduch Apps” (Jewish matchmaking platforms):
“I swiped right on a guy named Avi. His bio said ‘Shomer Shabbos, loves hiking.’ I messaged: ‘Same! Also, I’m gay.’ He blocked me so fast, I think his mezuzah fell off the door.”
That blend of specificity and universality is why he’s now selling out shows from Brooklyn to Tel Aviv—and why Netflix is reportedly in talks for a special.
Building Bridges Through Laughter
What makes Modi truly groundbreaking is his refusal to choose sides. He performs at Pride events and Chabad houses. He’s been invited to speak at Yeshiva University and the LGBTQ+ Jewish advocacy group Keshet.
“I’m not here to convince Orthodox Jews that being gay is okay,” he says. “I’m here to show that I exist—and that I can still daven mincha, keep kosher, and roast my mother’s cholent, all while being 100% myself.”
The Rise of Identity-Forward Comedy
Modi is part of a new wave of comedians—like Hasan Minhaj, Taylor Tomlinson, and Bowen Yang—who use personal narrative as both entertainment and social commentary. But his niche is uniquely intersectional.
| Audience Segment | Modi’s Appeal |
|---|---|
| Orthodox Jews | Relatable cultural references; respectful tone |
| LGBTQ+ Jews | Validation of dual identity; humor as healing |
| General comedy fans | Universal themes of family, belonging, and awkwardness |
What’s Next for Modi?
With a national tour titled “Holy & Horny” launching this fall, and a memoir in the works, Modi is no longer just a “Jewish comic” or a “gay comic”—he’s simply a comic who happens to be both.
And as he told The New York Times: “I already have the synagogue crowd. Now I want everyone else.”
