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'Comic Book Rabbi' To Speak Next Month in Palm Harbor

From Chabad of Pinellas

The "Comic Book Rabbi," Simcha Weinstein, will explore the links between superheroes and Jewish tradition during a July appearance at Chabad of Pinellas County, in Palm Harbor.

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BY MARK SCHANTZ

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 13, 2008

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

PALM HARBOR - The origins of Superman and comic superheroes are steeped in Jewish tradition and values.

So says Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, author of "Up, Up and Oy Vey: How Jewish History, Culture and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero."

This first book from Weinstein, 30, known as the "Comic Book Rabbi," earned him the Benjamin Franklin Award, presented for excellence in independent publishing.

The Orthodox rabbi, who was educated in Manchester, England, and Jerusalem and now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., will relate how storylines of comic superheroes have origins steeped in Jewish life and culture here next month during a special Friday night dinner at Chabad of Pinellas County.

Superman's creators were two Jewish writers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Weinstein notes. Superman's story is akin to that of Moses. Superman was sent away from his doomed home planet, Krypton, in a rocket ship, while as a baby Moses was sent adrift on a river in Egypt in a basket.

Both were aliens in a new land and became the people's protector.

The rabbi noted writers who were Jewish immigrants invented many comic Superheroes. They brought their heritage, values and traditions into storylines, according to Weinstein.

Since marriage brought him to the United States, Weinstein has served as an assistant rabbi of a synagogue in Brooklyn and ministered to New York-area Jewish college and law school students.

Weinstein's second book, "Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor In the 21st Century," will be published this fall.

Rabbi Levi Hodakov, education director of Chabad of Pinellas, a Lubavitcher Hasidic congregation, said everyone is invited to meet this dynamic, witty, entertaining and fascinating best-selling author.

Weinstein will appear as part of the traditional Shabbat dinner. It will take place 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Chabad of Pinellas County synagogue, 3696 Fisher Road.

Cost is $18 for adults, $10 for children under 12 to 3 years of age. For ticket information contact Chabad of Pinellas County at 727-789-0408 or visit its href=http://www.yichabad.com> Web site.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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