Why do I usually start my sermons with a joke? Rabbis explain that humor is useful on a practical level, most notably in the realm of education and pedagogy. We are told that, prior to beginning his lectures, the famous sage Rabbah would open on a positive note with a milta dibidichuta, a humorous remark. As a result, his students had their “hearts opened” to learning. Come and discover the hidden uplifting messages of some of my all-time favorite jokes!