Reflecting on 50 Years in Jewish Journalism
On the eve of my retirement from the Union for Reform Judaism, I'd like to share a few reminiscences and reflections.
How Jews Transformed The Comic Book Industry, Part II: The Silver Age (1956-1978)
By the mid-'50s, the comic book industry was in a sorry state. Allegations that the genre was promoting juvenile delinquency and illiteracy had "done in" the popular and groundbreaking horror and crime comics, and superheroes were now bland incarnations of their former selves. Batman, once a shadowy figure of the night, was recast as a high-camp boy scout battling rainbow-colored monsters.
How Jews Transformed The Comic Book Industry, Part III: The Bronze Age (1979 - )
Ever since the late 1970s, comics have turned more introspective and artistically ambitious. As in the Golden and Silver Ages, Jewish comics creators have been at the cutting edge, producing works that probe Jewish history, showcase Jewish characters, and comment on spiritual and social issues. These artists have ushered in what may be termed "the Bronze Age" of comics--not because it's less esteemed than the Golden or Silver Ages, but because it is free of rose-colored gloss and glitter, and reflects the realities of the world in which we live.
Shabbat: A Radical Jewish Notion
In six steps, God takes the world from utter chaos to exquisite organization and then stops to rest. This is an example for all of us to follow.
What Do Shabbat and Social Justice Have in Common?
Rabbi Jonah Pesner would argue that ultimately Shabbat is a call to action, read why.