- Source: Benji Lovitt
Benji Lovitt, (Hebrew: בנג'י לוויט) is an Israeli-American comedian, educator and writer.
Biography
Benjamin (Benji) Lovitt was born in Dallas, Texas, attended J.J. Pearce High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
Lovitt visited Israel for the first time when he was 15 years old as part of a Young Judaea trip, and he returned a few years later to spend a gap year before college as a participant on Young Judaea's Year Course program.
In 2023, Benji marked Israel's 75th anniversary by co-authoring the book “Israel 201, Your Next-Level Guide to the Magic, Mystery and Chaos! of Life in the Holy Land" with Joel Chasanoff. The book examines the daily life of Israelis and tries to give its readers insight into some unique aspects of Israeli culture.
Stand-up career
During Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014, Lovitt performed together with other comedians for Israeli civilians confined to bomb shelters or otherwise impacted by rockets launched by terrorists and for Israeli soldiers. While many of the shows were free, the proceeds from those with an admission charge were donated to the Friends of the IDF's Lone Soldier Program .
Lovitt also produced videos on Jewish holidays, aliyah and other topics.
Journalism career
Lovitt is a regular blogger for the Times of Israel and previously provided guest columns for The Jerusalem Post. Articles by Lovitt can also be found at eJewish Philanthropy, the Jewish Daily Forward, Ynet, Israel21c, PresenTense Magazine, Jewish Boston and other online publications.
Lovitt's annual column "Things I love about Israel" Yom Ha'atzmaut highlight the unique aspects of Israeli society from the perspective of an oleh.
Lovitt's January 2014 article in eJewish Philanthropy about bringing short-term Israel program participants to Tel Aviv is credited as inspiring Birthright Israel to launch the Tel Aviv Urban Experience in 2015.
References
External links
BenjiLovitt.com (Official Website)
Lovitt Loves Israel ("Things I Love About Israel" Lists (from 2012 to 2016)
67 More Things I Love About Israel (2015 List)
Benji Lovitt on Bulgarian TV Show "Panorama"
Stand-Up Routine for Tribute to Israeli Scout Caravan
Channel 2 Interview of Benji Lovitt regarding Nefesh b'Nefesh Conference
Spotlight Interview by Jewcer