UJA presents: Native comedian brings humor home to 5 Towns

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A 2007 graduate of Hewlett High School and a life long resident of Woodsburgh, Tyler Gildin became a household name when his 2009 Nassau State of Mind youtube video (a parody of Jay Z’s Empire State of Mind) hit the internet and went viral. The 22-year old Five Towns native who earned a television, radio, and film degree in 2011 from the prestigious Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University will take his comedic talents to the stage locally to benefit UJA.

The “Lighten Up” event, sponsored by the South Shore Division of UJA will take place on Wednesday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El and will benefit a cause that Tyler’s maternal grandfather, Dr. Kenneth Berman, has been so committed to for many years. The event is focused on promoting awareness to area high school and college youth as to how UJA is making a difference through its gamut of program offerings such as internship programs in Israel, Taglit-Birthright and national tribefest conference in Las Vegas. Dr Berman, who for years has had a dental practice in the Five Towns, splits his time between Lawrence and Boca Raton, Florida and is credited by Tyler as being an early comedic influence. “My grandfather had always been mildly amusing.”

The Manhattan resident who does stand up four to five times a week in addition to video production inclusive of creating, writing, and starring, speaks fondly of growing up in the Five Towns, where he formed lasting friendships and held numerous leadership positions such as class president of Hewlett High School and sports editor of the high school newspaper.

Gildin and his family are active members of Temple Beth El and describes himself as one with a strong cultural Jewish identity. “Jews are innately funny,” remarks Gildin, who speaks of how his Jewish identity is almost always referenced in his material.

The event, coordinated by UJA’s South Shore Development Executive Felicia Solomon, is already generating buzz amongst all ages and expects to attract a large audience. “We’re thrilled to be able to host an event that pulls together long standing leadership and the next generation of committed and devoted individuals from the South Shore. “We look forward to an great evening of laughter.”” said Solomon.

For more information please contact Felicia Solomon at 677-1856 or via email at solomonf@ujafedny.org