Shazam! November 19, 2023

During these troubled times it is important to know about history. The Center for Jewish History has a fascinating, illuminating and fun exhibit about super heroes, their creators and why they were created. In the 1930s and 1940s Jewish immigrants in New York were kept out of most respectable industries (anti-semitism was rife), so publishers, writers and artists created an industry of their own – comics. They also created its proprietary genre, superheroes, which they infused with various levels of Jewish signification. The preeminent creators in comic book history were all Jewish men — Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster (Superman), Bob Kane and Bill Finger (Batman), Wil Eisner (the Spirit) Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock), Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (Captain America) Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (the Hulk, Fantastic Four, Avengers, X-Men and many more.) This is a wonderful exhibit for all ages. There is even a dress up photo op where you can don costumes, masks, capes and take your own super hero photos (and yes, I did partake). The exhibit runs through December 31st.