A Muslim, a Jew and a Christian will all be onstage and performing together during an interfaith comedy show to benefit Under One Roof: The Interfaith Build, an effort to build a home in the East Side as a part of Habitat for Humanity, on June 7.

The credit to this idea goes to George Russell of Russell Investments who was concerned about American’s misconceptions toward Muslims and Islam and the general fear surrounding them after 9/11. He also became concerned about corporate America at the time and thus began One Nation, a non-profit organization that promotes opportunities for various religious and ethnic groups to get together to complete urban projects while simultaneously learning from one another. Together with the Russell Family Foundation, Church of Indian Fellowship and Habitat for Humanity, One Nation helps needy communities jump the hurdles to understanding and communication.

Under One Roof: The Interfaith Build is a project that was started by a steering committee composed of individuals from these contributing organizations, and it cleverly sums up its mission in its name - people with differing beliefs living together under one roof.

As Jill Henly, director of development and communication for Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat For Humanity affirms, her organization allowed for this project to get rolling. “Habitat was the vehicle, as it was a simple concept in terms of building a home and bringing people in from the local community. Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists and beyond will work on a project side by side, learn about one another, ask questions, and will start laying ground to break down barriers if there are any.”

The concept behind putting together a comedy show for this effort came as a result of a simple fact: laughter is the great equalizer. “The genesis behind the show is the old joke about a rabbi and a Muslim lawyer. The three comedians in the show have been doing this for some time. They took that joke literally. By making fun of themselves, they address stereotypical ideas (of their faiths) to educate people while they’re laughing,” Henly affirmed. This opportunity acts not only as a way to educate people outside of a classroom, but also is a fundraiser for the house that benefits interfaith connections.

The comics performing at the event all have been practicing their acts for some time and are internationally renowned. Rabbi Bob Alper acknowledges the fact that he is “the world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy - intentionally.” He has led congregations for 14 years and is an ordained rabbi who has been doing stand-up for 20 years.

Azhar Usman is the son of Muslim immigrants from India and is based in Chicago. He studied to be an attorney but has been a comic for years. Usman was recently featured in the film “Allah Made Me Funny: Live in Concert.”

Rev. Susan Sparks became an ordained minister after training as a trial lawyer then becoming a stand-up comedian. She is the senior pastor of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City, and was the first woman pastor there. She has been featured on CNN, PBS and ABC.

No matter one’s religious beliefs or lack of them, anyone can get something out of this family-friendly fun evening that is also raising funds for a wonderful cause. All proceeds raised by the event will go towards Under One Roof.

Forums that allow individuals to talk openly and honestly in a humorous way about these topics seldom happen, so this is a great chance to experience it, said Judith Jones of Pilgrim Spirit Communications. “This is really a unique event. People don’t often have the opportunity to explore religious issues from a comedic standpoint.”

The Interfaith Comedy show will take place on June 7 at 7 p.m. at Urban Grace - The Downtown Church, located at 902 Market St. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students/military/seniors and group discounts may apply. You may purchase them at Habitat for Humanity, 1001 N. ‘J’ St., or at Temple Beth El, 5975 S. 12th St.

For more information, or to get involved with this project, contact the Habitat Volunteer Department at (253) 627-5626.