The hilarious Iliza Shlesinger will perform her stand-up comedy for the Young Leadership Division's annual Big Event Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 6 at The Salt Shed in Chicago.
The Jewish comedian, actress, producer, and writer has cemented herself as one of the world's premiere stand-up comedians with six Netflix specials and her latest Amazon Prime Video special,
Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal
currently streaming.
Off stage, Schlesinger has written two books,
All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions
, humorous and insightful essays about everyday issues, and
Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity
, essays and observations on a confident woman's approach to friendship, singlehood, and relationships.
In addition to her stand-up, Iliza has appeared on the big and small screen. She wrote, executive produced, and starred in the romantic comedy film,
Good On Paper
, which was based on Iliza's own dating experience, and is streaming on Netflix. Shlesinger also starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in Netflix's
Spenser Confidential
, directed by Peter Berg. In 2023, She played Shay Marigold in the popular MAX series,
The Righteous Gemstones
. Her other credits include Hulu's
Dollface
and Amazon Prime's
Bosch
.
The Dallas native is a vocal supporter of Israel. Following October 7, she signed an open letter by Creative Community for Peace, which called for the entertainment community to stand with Israel and in 2024, Shlesinger, Chelsea Handler, and Mayim Bialik spearheaded a fundraiser for the United Hatzalah of Israel.
Comedian Jared Freid will open for Schlesinger at the Big Event Fundraiser. Freid, who is also Jewish, has built a strong following through his podcasts "JTrain" and "U Up?," which together have reached over a million monthly listeners. His most recent stand up special, "37 & Single," premiered in 2023 and earned rave reviews, landing in Netflix's top 10 most watched TV XX in the US and Canada.
This year's Big Event Fundraiser is going to be twice as funny with two comics, said Simon Kaufman, YLD Board President. "Usually, we're lucky to have one incredible talent at Big Event, but this year we're doubly lucky to get to see Jared Freid and Iliza Shlesinger, who are two of the funniest comics on the scene," Kaufman said. "I cannot wait to get to watch them each take the stage and bring the laughs."
The talents are also part of the community, which makes their appearances even more special," said Eric Gordon, 2025 YLD Campaign Chair. "Not only are Iliza and Jared both notable, talented comics, they're also part of the community."
Schlesinger and Freid's shared Jewish background and ability to connect with audiences through humor make them an especially fitting choice for this year's event.
"We're hoping to have our biggest Big Event in years," Kaufman said. "Now more than ever, it's beyond important to have opportunities to gather as a Jewish community. Big Event is always a highlight of our year, bringing together thousands of young Jewish adults in Chicago to socialize, celebrate, and raise money for a great cause."
"Attending the Big Event has truly become a rite of passage for Jewish young professionals in Chicago," Gordon added. "I love that asking, 'Who did you see there?' has become way to instantly spark a new connection and a lively conversation."
**
YLD's Big Event Fundraiser: What you need to know
YLD's Big Event Fundraiser will take place on Dec. 6 at The Salt Shed, at 1357 N. Elston Ave., in Chicago. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the program starting at 8:15 p.m. Seating is first come, first served.
Early registration, which ends on Nov. 6, costs $75 plus a donation to the JUF Annual Campaign-and includes a chance to win a photo with Shlesinger and Freid. General registration is $85 plus a donation to the JUF Annual Campaign and closes on Dec. 5.
YLD Level Up and Ben-Gurion Society members are invited early, at 7 p.m., with a guest, for a VIP Pre-Event, including drinks, appetizers, and schmoozing. Level Up is a society for young adults in their 20s who contribute at least $18 a month, or $216 a year, to the JUF Annual Campaign. Ben-Gurion Society is a national donor recognition society for young adults, 22-45, who contribute $1,000 or more to the JUF Annual Campaign.
To register, visit juf.org/BigEventt. If you have questions about the event, or your donation to the JUF Annual Campaign, please email YLD@juf.org or 312-357-4880.
