Wall Street Journal Covers Pellin

In a Nov. 13 article, the Wall Street Journal profiles Lubavitch comedian Mendy Pellin and his rise in the world of entertainment.

Comedian Mendy Pellin has met with agents, made the audition rounds and starred in his own videos seeking fame and fortune, the article states, although “he’s not exactly a typical Hollywood wannabe.”

Mr. Pellin is an Hasidic Jew who trolls Tinsel Town in a skull cap and sneakers, a long beard grazing his polo shirt. An ordained rabbi, his risky mission is to show the world that an observant culture—largely absent from the comedy mainstream—is natural fodder for funny.

The comedian has been honing his niche schtick for nearly a decade, the article says. His Youtube videos have received millions of hits as well.

As co-founder of a company, called Jewbellish, Mr. Pellin says the idea is to use comedy to “embellish” the image of very observant Jews—from Old World and insular, to hip and modern.

His Jewish partner, meanwhile, has already made a name for himself in the fashion business. Jeff Rudes is the founder of J Brand, purveyor of “super-skinny” tight jeans, some of which sell for more than $200.

Due to his success with the trendy line (he sold his last shares in the business earlier this year), Mr. Rudes believes he and Mr. Pellin can break down barriers and make Hasidism or ultra-Orthodox Judaism cool. He also sees his $300,000 investment as a potentially lucrative way to market new products.

“I have told him, create an audience, we will come up with the rest,” says Mr. Rudes.

The duo, Mr. Pellin adds, has discussed how to “make Hasidic garb a little cooler—maintaining that authentic look but adding pizazz.”

Read the full article here.