Congregation Kol Israel
603 St. Johns Pl. at Franklin Ave.
Sunday, November 13, Bagel one-day pass $15, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, Challah preview pass (includes Saturday night), $20
jewishcomiccon.org
Many of the greatest comic book artists are Jewish, so it was only a matter of time before someone started Jewish Comic Con, making its debut Sunday, November 13, preceded by a preview night November 12 (with a live auction and a dramatic reading by Jeff Newelt aka JahFurry of work by Harvey Pekar). The con announces that it is “celebrating our comic book legacy,” and what a legacy it is. Started by Fred Polaniecki and Fabrice Sapolsky, the event takes place in Congregation Kol Israel, the oldest continuously running Orthodox synagogue in Brooklyn. All proceeds will go to restoring and preserving the historic landmark, which was built in 1924. Among the guests are Dean Haspiel, Josh Neufeld, Danny Fingeroth, Ariel Schrag, Arie Kaplan, Gareb Shamus, Joshua H. Stulman, Jordan Gorfinkel, and Will Torres. Advance passes are sold out, but limited tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be kosher food for purchase, and, since this is a working shul, the morning service will be held at 8:00 and the afternoon service at 4:00. Although you are encouraged to come in costume, it is a synagogue, so the organizers ask that you be respectful and tone down the sex and violence. Below are the special programs.
Heroes & Faith, with Darren Vincenzo, Rabbi Cary Friedman, and others, moderated by Jordan Gorfinkel, 9:00 am
Eisner, Kirby, Siegel, Etc.: The Jewish Roots of Comics, with Julian Voloj and others, moderated by Arie Kaplan and/or Danny Fingeroth, 10:00
Spotlight on Mort Gerberg, with Mort Gerberg, moderated by Danny Fingeroth, 11:00 am
Breaking into Comics the Chutzpah Way!, with Danny Fingeroth, Dean Haspiel, and Fabrice Sapolsky, moderated by Arie Kaplan, 12 noon
The Mezuzah on the Batcave Door: Jewish Elements of Batman, with Jordan Gorfinkel and Sholly Fisch, moderated by Arie Kaplan and/or Danny Fingeroth, 1:30
Indie Voices: Past, Present & Future, with Ariel Schrag, Dean Haspiel, and Josh Neufeld, moderated by Arie Kaplan and/or Danny Fingeroth, 2:30
Jewish Heroes & Villains, with Greg Pak and Fabrice Sapolsky, moderated by Arie Kaplan and/or Danny Fingeroth, 4:30
Cartoonists Against the Holocaust, with Craig Yoe and Rafael Medoff, illustrated panel discussion and Q&A, 5:30