Arts & Entertainment
'Night of Laughter' Raises Funds for B'nai Shalom [IMAGE GALLERY]
More than 200 people attended Congregation B'nai Shalom's "Night of Laughter" at the Doubletree Hotel on Saturday, March 31.
"My mom is writhing in pain on that one. It's definitely on the do not tell list," said comedian Dan Hirshon. Along with fellow comedian Steve Calechman, Hirshon entertained his parents, grandmother and more than 200 Congregation B'nai Shalom members and guests at a fundraising event held at the on Saturday evening, March 31.
Wendy Wilsker, B'nai Shalom's development chair and Night of Laughter committee chair told Westborough Patch, "We've been planning this evening since October... We hope to raise between $10 and $15,000 for B'nai Shalom's programs and services, and maintaining the building." Wilsker gave a special thanks to committee members Steve Heims, Rob Sternburg and Jim Wilner.
Find out what's happening in Westboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The evening featured a dessert reception, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a raffle of baskets donated by classes at the religious school.
Before the comedian's shtick, entertainment was provided by the Westborough High School Jazz Combo. In addition, Rabbi Eiduson (Director of Education), Rabbi Sobel (Interim Rabbi), Cantor Sharon Brown Goldstein and Wilsker led a beautiful Havdalah, a service that marks the separation of the Sabbath from the rest of the week.
Find out what's happening in Westboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The highlight of the evening was definitely the comedy. Hirshon, who lives in New York City, said, "I hope that my grandmother speaks to me after tonight." Salem-based Calechman added, "I don't have any family in this room. I don't care."
Calechman engaged the crowd, including Rabbi Sobel, whom he caught texting. "I like being here in Westborough. It's my favorite borough. Some people like South, North, Tyngs," riffed Calechman. Whether he was ranting about Prius owners, horses banned from the Mass Pike, parking in Brookline, or treasure hunts, Calechman kept the laughs coming.
Wilsker said, "I'm glad that we decided to make a change and hold this kind of fundraiser." The members of B'nai Shalom seemed to agree.
B'nai Shalom's next fundraising event is the Kiddush Cup on May 14 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Westborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page. If you'd like to receive the Westborough Patch newsletter with our top stories, click here.
