Meet Jewish Person of the Week Brad Trackman

brad trackman jewish person of the week chitribe

Let’s meet Jewish person of the week Brad Trackman, and see Brad perform comedy live on Zoom for ChiTribe.

I grew up with Catholics.  I was fortunate that my friends, for the most part, were very respectful of my religion.  I was and still am very proud to be Jewish.

Brad Trackman
ChiTribe Comedy Night with Brad Trackman

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Medford NJ.  Aside from the JCC summer camp which is a pretty big deal, there were literally two other Jewish families that I knew of and we actually carpooled to Hebrew school which was in a town about a half-hour away.  I grew up with Catholics.  I was fortunate that my friends, for the most part, were very respectful of my religion.  I was and still am very proud to be Jewish.

Where did you go to school?

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC.  Robert Redford, Danny Devito are some of the other alumni that graduated from this college that tailors itself to the theater.  I started stand up while attending and never stopped.

brad trackman jewish person of the week chitribe
@bradtrackman

What do you do for work?

I am a Comedian and published author.  I have been a comedian pretty much my whole adult life.  I wrote my first book about two years ago and am currently working on my second. Check out Permanently Suspended now!

Do you consider yourself a “Jewish Comedian” or a “Comedian that is Jewish?”

A comedian who is Jewish.  Being a comic, I definitely ALWAYS mention being Jewish.  No matter if I’m abroad or here in the states performing in Alabama.  It’s who I am and I think it’s an important part.  That said, I don’t think anyone leaves my show saying, “That comic spoke too much about being Jewish.”

What did you do Jewish growing up?

I was pretty religious.  Went to synagogue weekly.  I had a bar mitzvah and later a confirmation as my synagogue was reform. I’ve always marveled at Conservative and Orthodox Jews.  I can’t read Hebrew well and love their dedication to Judaism.  

brad trackman jewish person of the week chitribe
@bradtrackman

What do you do Jewish now?

Mostly performances! 

What do you do for fun?

I love to make pizza from scratch and also when I travel I try to visit different pizzerias wherever I go.  I love reading, film and tv. Spending time with my family and two dogs.

Where is your favorite Chicago spot?

Lou Malnati’s pizza!


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Rebecca Schwab

Rebecca Schwab

Rebecca creates best practices and executes marketing campaigns for Jewish organizations who are trying to reach the next generation of the Jewish community - specifically Millennials and Gen Z - through digital marketing, social media, online and in-person events.