YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser to feature Oz Pearlman

Oz “The Mentalist” Pearlman will be performing at Big Event Fundraiser on Dec. 5.

Oz Pearlman is hoping to get a run in when he comes to Chicago this December for the Young Leadership Division’s (YLD) Big Event Fundraiser. Running for him is key to his work as a performer. 

Known as “Oz the Mentalist,” the world-famous Israeli-American will be delighting the crowd at The Salt Shed on Dec. 5.  “We’re thrilled to have Oz the Mentalist at Big Event this year,” said Sam Smith, YLD Campaign Chair. “Big Event is YLD’s largest event of the year, but what makes it special is the chance to bring our entire community together.”  

“This year’s Big Event will be an incredible evening of entertainment and a celebration of all we are, our Jewish life, our culture, our shared values, and our lifelong friendships,” agreed YLD President Maiky Iberkleid. 

Jewish Chicago spoke with Pearlman about mentalism, running, Chicago, and performing this year at Big Event: 

Q: How would you describe mentalism?  

It’s a form of magic. It’s not any type of supernatural or psychic abilities—it’s much more the ability to judge and influence human behavior. Rather than using sleight of hand to deceive and entertain, it’s knowing how the mind works. 

When did you first realize that you wanted to become a performer? 

I was on a cruise ship after my bar mitzvah—we didn’t have a party. We brought the family; my grandma came from Israel. Seeing a magician on board that ship, I was blown away. When I got home, I walked to the library, checked out every book I could find with the word “magic” in the title, and started to learn how to do it. 

What pushed you to pursue magic into adulthood? 

I paid for college, in large part, by doing magic shows. I was very business savvy in terms of locking up new clients, event planners, [and] getting [magic] gigs that were steady. And I was doing that on the side, not really knowing that it would end up being a full-time profession. 

You’re also an impressive ultrarunner and marathoner.  Can you tell us about your connections with running in Chicago? 

I have a history with Chicago in terms of running. My first ultramarathon was the Chicago Lakefront 50. I won it, which was incredibly exciting—and then I did it four years in a row, and won it every year. In the last year I did it, I actually ran the fastest time in the world that year for that distance. 

How does running fit in with your professional work?  

I think it’s inextricably linked with my success in many ways. I’m competitive at what I do for a living, clearly. The same applies to running.  

That’s also where I ideate a lot. [As a mentalist,] you have to come up with lots of new stuff, or you have other people doing it for you. There’s nothing wrong with that. A lot of pop stars don’t write their songs; they have teams that do it for them, versus singer-songwriters—like a Taylor Swift—who employ other people to help, but they are the creative, they are the outlet. So, I’m kind of a singer-songwriter for what I do. And the running is key.  

What are you most looking forward to about performing at Big Event? 

Making it a memorable evening for everybody and really supporting the mission of JUF. I think my sense of humor will appeal because, you know—it’s my people. It’ll be a fun night! 

To register for YLD’s Big Event Fundraiser, visit juf.org/BigEvent. If you have questions about the event, or your donation to the JUF Annual Campaign, please contact [email protected] or 312-357-4880.