Irvin brings his years of curatorial experience—such as major museum exhibitions at The Library of Congress, The US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and The Deutsches Historisches [German Historical] Museum—to an energetic talk about the life and impact of Polish-Jewish artist Arthur Szyk. Szyk’s illuminated Passover Haggadah has been called one of the greatest illustrated books of all times. He was also the leading political artist in America during WWII, and fought the Nazis through his art. The story of Szyk’s crusade against injustice and tyranny will inspire and inform long-time admirers as well as people who have never encountered the artist before. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

This presentation lays the groundwork for appreciation of Arthur Szyk’s masterwork, evaluating the historical development of his Passover Haggadah and its carefully constructed miniatures. Drawn and first published during the rise of Hitler, The Haggadah is a triumphant work of courage and hope, its style and themes remarkably prescient and enduringly relevant. A Polish Jew keenly aware of current events, Arthur Szyk fused his two passions—art and history—into a visual commentary on the dangerous parallel between the Exodus narrative of Egyptian oppression and alarming developments unfolding in Nazi Germany. Copies of the new Deluxe and Premier editions of The Szyk Haggadah will be displayed. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Many people know Arthur Szyk through his famous Passover Haggadah or his illuminations of the Proclamation of the Establishment of the State of Israel and the Visual History of Israel. Yet these iconic works tell only part of the story of his commitment to his people, for no Jewish artist---or any artist---contributed more to the creation of the State of Israel more than Arthur Szyk. This illustrated presentation traces Szyk’s art and activism over the course of his long career, from his life-changing trip to Palestine in 1914 to the creation of The Haggadah in 1930s Poland to his advocacy---before, during, and after World War II---for the creation of a Jewish State in the Land of Israel. The talk will present the full spectrum of Szyk’s long-term public advocacy for the Zionist cause: paintings, book illustrations, magazine covers, editorial cartoons, newspaper advertisements, pamphlets, poster stamps, and more. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Have you ever wondered what your grandfather’s prayer book was worth or how to preserve your grandmother’s family Bible? Inspired by the popular TV show “Antique Roadshow” (PBS), Irvin will comment on the history and value of rare books, artifacts, objects, and memorabilia owned by members of the audience over the course of a highly educational and entertaining evening. Advanced planning is required and will be coordinated with a representative of the host venue. Approximately two hours.

Rare books and manuscripts are usually hidden behind lock and key in museums and library special collections. Only occasionally do we have an opportunity to glimpse the historic treasures of the Jewish people in person, let alone have them explained in a lively and animated fashion. Irvin will discuss the value of Judaica as collectibles, such as: a letter by Einstein about Jewish survival during the Holocaust; 19^th century photographs of Jerusalem; the first Hebrew Bible printed in America; or a newspaper printed on the day of the creation of the State of Israel. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

While the Torah’s Hebrew words are chanted or read in the synagogue, worshippers follow along by referring to a printed Torah text (i.e., Chumash or Pentateuch), which usually includes an English translation, a modern innovation that many take for granted. In this presentation, Irvin will examine early significant translations of the Torah and of the Bible itself (of which the Torah is but one of three parts) written for Jews, by Jews, and also will explore the surprising historical circumstances in which these translations were created. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Communities seeking a new educational experience often invite Irvin for a Scholar-in-Residence Weekend. Through a series of entertaining presentations, Irvin builds appreciation for Jewish activist-artist Arthur Szyk, The Szyk Haggadah, and the exciting world of historic and rare Judaica. The weekend may be customized to meet the scheduling needs and special interests of the community. Usually a two-day event, with three (3) presentations and an optional Saturday morning Dvar Torah.

Designed for small groups of art and culture enthusiasts and/or history buffs, salon evenings are informal, invitation-only gatherings held in private homes. Irvin introduces the history of The Szyk Haggadah and the production of Historicana’s new 2008 luxury edition. Copies of the new Deluxe and Premier editions of The Szyk Haggadah will be displayed. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Irvin is pleased to offer personal Haggadah study sessions to proud owners of The Szyk Haggadah who wish to deepen their understanding of the Haggadah text and Szyk’s visual commentary. Study sessions are held in private homes, and friends and family may be invited. Approximately two hours.