Mark A. Siegel Speakers Series

Jordan B. Gorfinkel

We are pleased to welcome Jordan B. Gorfinkel—known as “Gorf”—for a weekend of learning and community from Friday–Sunday, March 6–8. Through services, presentations, and hands-on learning, Gorf will explore the intersection of comics, Judaism, and Israel, offering creative and accessible ways to engage with Jewish text and tradition.

Jordan B. Gorfinkel brings decades of experience as a writer, artist, and educator. He created the bestselling Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel and founded the Jewish Graphic Novel Experience nonprofit. He is also the creator of @JewishCartoon and a pioneer of professional Jewish a cappella through Kol Zimra. Drawing on his background managing the Batman franchise, Gorf uses visual storytelling and pop culture to invite people of all ages into meaningful Jewish learning.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 6

Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Services, 7:30 PM
An interactive discussion of the Torah  portion led by Gorf—sometimes called “Rabbi Batman”—inviting participants to imagine Torah as a comic book or film script.

Shabbat Oneg and Presentation (open to the congregation), 8:30 PM
The Exodus, the Dark Knight, and Being a Jewish Superhero
An exploration of Torah, Talmud, and pop culture—from Esther and Rabbi Akiva to Stan Lee—highlighting Jewish models of heroism and personal responsibility.

Saturday, March 7

Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 AM
A D’var Torah by Gorf on the week’s Torah portion, Ki Sisa.

Kiddush Lunch and Presentation (open to the congregation), 12:30 PM
Moses, Esther, Wonder Woman, and Superman
What superheroes can teach us about Torah—and what Torah teaches us about superheroes.

Saturday Evening Reception (ticket required), 7:30 PM
A multimedia presentation using film clips and pop culture as a doorway to Jewish insight and inspiration, followed by Q&A, dessert reception, and book signing.

Sunday, March 8

Jewish Cartooning Workshop
10 AM–Noon (for member youth and their families)
An intergenerational workshop where participants will create original Jewish-themed cartoons. Artwork will be included in a new CBT Youth Siddur for Junior Congregation and Learning Center tefillah. All ages are welcome, and adults are encouraged to attend with their children or grandchildren.

Tickets and Donations

Tickets are $36 per person and include access to all weekend events.

Sponsorship

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of bringing Jewish history and heritage alive through learning. This continual speakers series is dedicated and devoted to providing education for people of all ages and levels of Jewish knowledge. Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Mark A. Siegel Series by selecting a sponsorship level below.

Legend $1000+
If you give at the Legend level, you will receive the complete collection of graphic novels with personalized drawings and autographs, free of charge. 2 tickers are included with this donation level.

Guardian $500 - $999
If you give at the Guardian level, you will receive two of the graphic novels of your choice with personalized drawings and autographs, free of charge. 2 tickers are included with this donation level.

Superhero $250 - $499
If you give at the Superhero level, you will receive one of the graphic novels of your choice with a personalized drawing and autograph, free of charge. 2 tickers are included with this donation level.

We also invite you to consider making a donation to support this unique opportunity in adult and intergenerational Jewish learning. Contributions directly fund this initiative. Donors of $250 and above will receive one or more graphic novels of their choice, personalized with an original drawing and autograph from Gorf, along with sponsor recognition throughout the weekend.

For details, please see the registration form or email educationvp@congregationbethtorah.org

Please select an event you are planning to attend:

Pre-order your graphic novel today at $25.00 per Novel:

Registrant Information

Just write, "N/A" if you are just registering yourself

Sponsorship

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of bringing Jewish history and heritage alive through learning. This continual speakers series is dedicated and devoted to providing education for people of all ages and levels of Jewish knowledge. Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Mark A. Siegel Series by selecting a sponsorship level below.

Legend $1000+
If you give at the Legend level, you will receive the complete collection of graphic novels with personalized drawings and autographs, free of charge. This sponsorship level includes 2 tickets.

Guardian $500 - $999
If you give at the Guardian level, you will receive two of the graphic novels of your choice with personalized drawings and autographs, free of charge. This sponsorship level includes 2 tickets.

Superhero $250 - $499
If you give at the Superhero level, you will receive one of the graphic novels of your choice with a personalized drawing and autograph, free of charge. This sponsorship level includes 2 tickets.