I recently took an online course on techniques for infusing humor into writing, hoping to enhance this weekly article. The course covered methods like repetition, alliteration, and exaggeration. I really liked the session on self-deprecating humor, but I already have enough critics that I don’t need to point out my own faults.

My favorite technique is misdirection, sometimes referred to as the “bait and switch”.

The rabbi at my daughter’s shul opened his sermon two weeks ago by saying that he was advised against speaking about the election results.

“Nothing good will come from it.” 

“Some will agree and then you’ll alienate everyone else.”

“Don’t do it!”

“But I have to do it,” he continued. He then went on to talk about the election results for the two new chief rabbis of Israel and his hope that they will usher in a long period (chief rabbis serve 10-year terms) of unity. 

Brilliant! 

Not only was it hilarious, but he completely defused what could have been a very difficult and polarizing discussion. His misdirection even carried into the kiddush. His choosing to message unity over polarization was the exact right message for the day. Yasher koach!