Tag Archives: center for jewish history

JewCE! The Jewish Comics Experience Returns to the Center for Jewish History this November

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JewCE! The Jewish Comics Experience

Head to JewCE! The Jewish Comics Experience for a full day of panels and interactive workshops with legendary comic creators. This unique event celebrates the profound impact of Jewish culture on comics and pop culture, offering engaging activities for fans of all ages.

The convention takes place Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011.

Starting at 10:00 a.m., guests can explore a variety of topics, from Batman’s Jewish connections to the secret Jewish history of the X-Men, in a day packed with panels, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Below is the full schedule of featured panels and presenters:

Batman at 85
Moderator: Roy Schwartz
Featuring: Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Athena Finger

DC Comics in the 80s—A Magic Moment
Moderator: Paul Levitz
Featuring: Cheryl Rubin, Alisa Kwitney, Lillian Laserson

An Xciting Conversation with Chris Claremont
Moderator: Roy Schwartz
Featuring: Chris Claremont

The Best-Known Comedy Writer You’ve Never Heard Of
Moderator: Mathew Klickstein
Featuring: Mike Reiss

Drawing From Memory: From Archive to Graphic Novel
Presented by: Leo Baeck Institute
Featuring: Ari Richter, Amy Hungerford

Jump Into Drawing Comics!
Featuring: Josh Edelglass

Jewish Mythology and Fantasy in Adventure Comics
Moderator: Neil Kleid
Featuring: The Berkowitz Brothers (Ben and Max), Amit Tishler

Comic Strip Workshop
Featuring: Chari Pere

Exploring Jewish Humor in Comics
Featuring: Arie Kaplan, Chari Pere, Hilary Price, Terry LaBan, Uri Fink

Jewish Comics Trivia Game
Featuring: Sholly Fisch

American (Jewish) Splendor: Celebrating Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner
Moderator: Danny Fingeroth
Featuring: Dean Haspiel, Peter Kuper, Josh Neufeld, Jeff Newelt, Arie Kaplan

Leadership and Legacy: Trina Robbins Tribute
Moderator: Heidi MacDonald
Featuring: Barbara “Willy” Mendes, Barbara Slate, Alisa Kwitney

JEWCE: The Jewish Comics Experience Documentary Special and Q&A
Featuring: Dr. Miriam Mora, Fabrice Sapolsky, Roy Schwartz, Tony Kim

Israeli Graphic Novels After October 7
Moderator: Sean Wise
Featuring: Uri Fink, Koren Shadmi, Omri Rose

And the nominees for the 2024 JewCE! Awards are…

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2024 JewCE Awards

The Center for Jewish History has announced the finalists for the 2024 JewCE Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions by artists, writers, and creators who have enriched Jewish storytelling through the vibrant medium of comics. The awards ceremony will take place at 6:30 PM, on November 10, 2024, following the conclusion of the Jewish Comics Experience convention. This year’s JewCE Awards highlight a diverse range of creators, themes, and genres, celebrating Jewish stories and voices in the world of comics.

The nominees span a wide array of categories, from “All Ages” selections to powerful works in “Combatting Prejudice,” “Historical Narrative,” and “Jewish Tradition and Folklore.” The award categories underscore the commitment of the Jewish Comics Experience to foster inclusive, impactful storytelling within the Jewish community and beyond.

This year’s categories and finalists include:

ALL AGES

  • Joyful Song by Leslea Newman
  • The Effects of Pickled Herring by Alex Schumacher

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Alex Schumacher – The Effects of Pickled Herring
  • Aomar Boum and Nadjib Berber – Undesirables
  • Barbara “Willy” Mendes – Queen of the Cosmos Comix
  • Chari Pere – Miscarried: An “Unspoken” Cartoonmentary
  • Josh Tuininga – We Are Not Strangers
  • Leslea Newman – Joyful Song

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL CONTENT

  • Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood by Lonnie Mann, Ryan Gatts
  • I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan, Aude Massot
  • Miscarried: An “Unspoken” Cartoonmentary by Chari Pere
  • The Effects of Pickled Herring by Alex Schumacher
  • We Survived the Holocaust: The Bluma and Felix Goldberg Story by Frank W. Baker, Tim E.
    Ogline

COMBATTING PREJUDICE

  • I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan, Aude Massot
  • Undesirables by Aomar Boum and Nadjib Berber
  • We Are Not Strangers by Josh Tuininga

CONTEMPORARY TOPIC

  • Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood by Lonnie Mann, Ryan Gatts
  • I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan, Aude Massot

DIVERSE REPRESENTATION

  • Gaytheist: Coming Out of My Orthodox Childhood by Lonnie Mann, Ryan Gatts
  • I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan, Aude Massot
  • Joyful Song by Leslea Newman
  • Nice Jewish Boys by Neil Kleid, John Broglia
  • We Are Not Strangers by Josh Tuininga

FICTIONAL NARRATIVE

  • American Dreams by Daniel Kalban
  • Ben Mortara and the Thieves of Golden Table #1 by Arnon Z. Shorr
  • Edenfrost by Amit Tishler
  • Kosher Mafia by David Hazan, Sami Kivela
  • Nice Jewish Boys by Neil Kleid, John Broglia
  • The Writer by Josh Gad, Benjamin Berkowitz, Max Berkowitz

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE

  • Brother’s Keeper by Arnon Z. Shorr, Joshua M. Edelglass
  • Edenfrost by Amit Tishler
  • Undesirables by Aomar Boum and Nadjib Berber
  • We Are Not Strangers by Josh Tuininga
  • We Survived the Holocaust: The Bluma and Felix Goldberg Story by Frank W. Baker, Tim E.
    Ogline

JEWISH TRADITION AND FOLKLORE

  • Ben Mortara and the Thieves of Golden Table #1 by Arnon Z. Shorr
  • Edenfrost by Amit Tishler
  • Joyful Song by Leslea Newman
  • Nice Jewish Boys by Neil Kleid, John Broglia
  • Queen of the Cosmos Comix by Barbara “Willy” Mendes
  • The Writer by Josh Gad, Benjamin Berkowitz, Max Berkowitz

WRITER OF THE YEAR

  • Alex Schumacher – The Effects of Pickled Herring
  • Amit Tishler – Edenfrost
  • Arnon Z. Shorr – Ben Mortara and the Thieves of Golden Table #1
  • David Hazan – Kosher Mafia
  • Josh Gad, Benjamin Berkowitz, Max Berkowitz – The Writer
  • Josh Tuininga – We Are Not Strangers
  • Neil Kleid – Nice Jewish Boys

JewCE returns in November 2024

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JewCE 2024

The Center for Jewish History has announced the return of JewCE, the Jewish comics experience, on November 10, 2024.

The day will include:

  • Amazing panels
  • Celebrity guests
  • Cartooning and comics workshops led by industry professionals
  • Jewish comics trivia hour
  • Live and silent auctions
  • Arts play-space for all ages
  • Children’s coloring contests with prizes
  • Scheduled signings
  • Authentication services
  • And much more!

If you are interested in registering as a creator or speaker, please click HERE for the talent registration form! Registering does not guarantee a place at the convention, but early registration is very helpful in our determining space and allocations!

There are also table and boothes in the JewCE Exhibition Hall to sell goods (publishers, crafters, vendors, etc.).

Soon they will announce this year’s awards categories and nominating process!

Stay tuned for more news about this up and coming convention!

Superheroes Triumph: Center for Jewish History Extends Comics and Pop Culture Exhibition

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JewCE

Heeding the call of devoted fans, the Center for Jewish History (CJH) is excited to announce the extension of its highly popular exhibition, JewCE! The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience, until February 18, 2024. This immersive journey into the dynamic world of Jewish comics will continue to captivate audiences in the Rosenberg and Winnick galleries.

This dynamic exhibition celebrates the powerful fusion of Jewish culture, history, and artistic expression through the lens of comics and graphic storytelling.

Featuring original artworks, historical artifacts, and interactive installations, the exhibition highlights the evolution of Jewish themes in comics, spanning from classic newspaper strips to contemporary graphic novels. Highlights include original Captain America artwork by co-creator Joe Simon, the rare 1933 “Reign of the Superman” story by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and the works of Holocaust survivor Lily Renée, an early pioneer in the comic book industry.

The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience comprises five micro-exhibits from CJH Partner organizations, exploring themes such as the Jewish origins of the comic book industry and the Jewish response to fascism in comics.

The exhibition aims to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, providing an immersive experience that connects visitors with Jewish history, culture, and identity in a new and exciting way.

PJ Library and the Center for Jewish History’s JewCE convention team for Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters for Kids

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Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters for Kids

PJ Library in New York has announced an interactive event for young comic book enthusiasts. On Sunday, November 19th, budding artists and storytellers aged 9-12 are invited to “Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters,” a unique workshop exploring the art of character development and illustration led by PJ Our Way author Dov Smiley. Participants will learn the secrets of bringing characters to life, diving into the art of character design and drawing in a fun and engaging environment.

Two identical 45-minute sessions will be held at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Following the workshop, families are invited to explore the Center for Jewish History’s Jewish Comics Experience (JewCE), a special exhibition offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich world of Jewish storytelling through comics.

This event is in conjunction with the Center for Jewish History’s JewCE convention.
Tickets: $20 per family; register here

The Center for Jewish History Reveals Lineup of Events for the Jewish Comics Experience

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JewCE!

Brace yourselves! The Center for Jewish History (CJH) has announced a series of events celebrating the rich tapestry of Jewish culture in comics. From heart-pounding musicals to mind-bending panels, this supercharged program guarantees an epic experience for every comic enthusiast and cultural afficionado.

Meet renowned cartoonists, writers, and illustrators like Frank Miller, Paul Levitz, Trina Robbins, Jules Feiffer, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Michael Bendis, Neil Kleid, and E. Lockhart.

Wednesday, November 8, 07:00 PM – LABZIK: TALES OF A CLEVER PUP – IN-PERSON EVENT

Adapted from Yiddish author Chaver Paver’s children’s stories, Labzik: Tales of a Clever Pup brings to life the adventures of Labzik, a clever mutt, and a working-class Jewish family in the Bronx. This trilingual Yiddish-English-Yinglish short film, presented in cinematic “miniature theater” style, features lavishly illustrated paper puppets and explores themes that remain relevant today. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Jake Krakovsky and translator Miriam Udel.

Thursday, November 9, 06:30 PM – HEREVILLE: A NEW JEWISH MUSICAL – IN-PERSON EVENT & LIVESTREAMED ON YOUTUBE

Experience Hereville, a female-driven, family-friendly musical based on Barry Deutsch’s award-winning graphic novels. The story follows Mirka, an 11-year-old girl in an Orthodox Jewish town, as she grapples with family dynamics and a looming threat. Directed by Laura Brandel, this musical promises a love story and is rated PG for its exploration of grief and loss. Attend in person or join the livestream on YouTube.

Saturday, November 11, 07:30 PM – JewCie Awards Ceremony

Be part of history at the first-ever JewCie Awards! Join industry titans, nominees, and judges for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in Jewish comics. Limited tickets are available for this exclusive event.

Sunday, November 12 – PANELS, WORKSHOPS, AND EVENTS

A series of dynamic panels and workshops will delve into various aspects of Jewish culture in comics:

  • Jewish Roots of the Comic Industry: Explore the influence of Jewish creators on iconic characters like Superman and Batman. Moderator: Danny Fingeroth; Roy Schwartz; Simcha Weinstein, and Ari Kaplan
  • Will Eisner: the First Poet Laureate of the Jewish Graphic Novel: Join a discussion on the groundbreaking work of Will Eisner and his enduring impact on the graphic novel genre. Paul Levitz & Jules Feiffer
  • Queering Jewish Comics: Delve into comics that challenge normative notions of Jewish identity and explore themes of gender and sexuality. Moderator: Tahneer Oksman; Ben Kahn, Shira Spector, Barry Deutsch, and Miriam Libicki.
  • From Strength to Strength: Jewish Superheroes Through the Ages: Discover the Jewish context, themes, and identity in the world of superheroes. Moderator: Roy Schwartz; Brian Michael Bendis; E. Lockhart; Dean Haspiel, and Frank Miller.
  • Breaking the Mainstream: Getting Past Ashkenormativity and Secularism in Comics: Discuss the representation of diverse Jewish experiences in comics. Moderator: Arnon Shorr; Daniel Lobell; Emily Bowen Cohen; Dan Goldman, and Carol Isaacs.
  • Canons Are Made to Blow Up! Retconning, Rebooting, Jossing, and Other Paradigm Shifts: Explore the dynamic nature of continuity changes in long-running comics. Moderator: Jenny Caplan; Brian Michael Bendis; Brian Assarello; Joshua Sky, and Barbara Slate.
  • Telling Other People’s Stories: Hear from creators who approach the craft of storytelling from different perspectives. Moderator: Julian Voloj; Tracy White; Stephanie Phillips; Koren Shadmi, and Neil Kleid.
  • Kids Comics for Mini Mensches: Explore the creation of Jewish comics for young readers. Moderator: Jeremy Dauber; Yehudi Mercado; Terri Libenson; Chari Pere, and Barry Deutsch.
  • The New Maimonides: How Comics & Graphic Novels Illuminate & Elucidate Jewish Texts: Learn how comics bring new life to traditional Jewish texts. Moderator: Jordan B. Gorfinkel; JT Waldman; Yael Nathanmat Tonti, and Willy Mendes.
  • Jewish Female Narratives in the Graphic Arts: Engage with female creators discussing gender and Jewish identity in personal narratives. Moderator: Karen Green; Leela Corman; Amy Kurzweil; Alisa Kwitney, and Miriam Libicki.
  • Jewish Folklore in Comics: Examine how graphic novels use folklore to enrich Jewish storytelling. Moderator: Eddy Portnoy; Dani Colman; Trina Robbins; Chanan Beizer, and Yehudi Mercado.
  • Jewish Comics and Remembrance Culture: Discuss the role of comics in engaging with Jewish history, Holocaust narratives, and memory. Moderator: Gavriel Rosenfeld; Rafael Medoff; Ken Krimstein; Stan Mack, and Trina Robbins.

Get a sneak peak at JewCE: The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience

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Presented in conjunction with the Center for Jewish History‘s November 11-12 convention, JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience, the exhibition JewCE: The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience promises to be a thrilling journey into the vibrant world of Jewish comic books and graphic novels, showcasing the powerful fusion of Jewish culture, history, and artistic expression.

The dynamic exhibition brings together an impressive collection of original artworks, historical artifacts, and interactive installations celebrating the rich tapestry of Jewish narratives depicted through the lens of comics and graphic storytelling. It features the works of renowned Jewish comic writers and artists across the generations, illustrating the evolution of Jewish themes in comics over time. From classic newspaper comic strips to contemporary graphic novels, visitors can explore the evolution of Jewish representation in this popular art form.

Opening to the public on October 9th, you can get an invitation to a sneak peak of the exhibition (with a guest) before it opens to the public. Become a member of the Center for Jewish History by September 14th and take advantage!

JewCE: The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience