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Szyk Expert Irvin Ungar

Curriculum Vitae

Irvin Ungar is the foremost expert and leading dealer of the art of Arthur Szyk. A former pulpit rabbi fluent in Jewish history and tradition, Irvin is CEO of the firm Historicana and the tireless force behind the Szyk renaissance.

Work Experience

1987-Present: Founder and CEO, Historicana, Burlingame, CA
1997-2017: Curator, The Arthur Szyk Society, Burlingame, CA
1980-1987: Rabbi, Peninsula Temple Sholom, Burlingame, CA
1974-1980: Rabbi, Temple Sinai, Forest Hills, NY

Education and Awards

S.T.M.(Masters of Sacred Theology), New York Theological Seminary, NY, 1977
Pastoral Counseling Degree, Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, NY, 1977
M.A. (Education), New York University, 1974
Rabbinic Ordination, Academy for Jewish Religion, NY, 1974
B.A. (Math/Economics), Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA, 1970

2022 American Jewish Committee Adenauer Fellow in Munich/Berlin
2017 National Jewish Book Award winner for Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art
2012 PubWest Silver Award in the category of Gift/Holiday/Specialty Book for Heroes of Ancient Israel: The Playing Card Art of Arthur Szyk
2008 Hemlock Award of Excellence for Understanding the Szyk Haggadah

Location of Irvin’s Personal Papers, Art Collection, Books, and Archives

  • College Papers
    Location: Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. Gifted November 2022
  • Rabbinical School and Graduate School Papers
    Location: Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. Gifted November 2022
  • Rabbinic Papers
    Location: Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. Gifted November 2022
  • Antiquarian Bookseller Papers
    Location: To be determined
  • Arthur Szyk Collection of Art and Personal Papers
    Location: To be determined
  • Memoirs
    Location: To be determined
  • The Szyk Haggadah Papers and Archives
    Location: To be Determined

Exhibitions

Arthur Szyk

  • Guest Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” New-York Historical Society, New York, NY, September 15, 2017 – January 21, 2018. Also see Art Summary / A Visual Journey showing the exhibition in full
  • Guest Curator, “Arthur Szyk: The Art of Illumination,” Jewish Museum Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, February 7 – May 15, 2016
  • Guest Curator, “Arthur Szyk and the Art of The Haggadah,” Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, February 13 – June 26, 2014
  • Consultant, “Arthur Szyk: Man of Dialogue,” Museum of the City of Łódź, Poznański Palace, Łódź, Poland, September 14 – October 16, 2011
  • Consultant, “Artur Szyk: Dziedzictwo polsko-żydowskiego artysty ‚Karykatury wojenne,’” Stradom Dialogue Centre, Krakow, Poland, June 20 – mid-October, 2011
  • Guest Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations,” Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, December 4, 2010 – March 27, 2011
  • Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Methods of a Master Illuminator,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 13 – 25, 2010
  • Curator, “Arthur Szyk Illuminated – New York,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 7 – 26, 2009
  • Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Illuminator for Freedom,” Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City, CA, March 12 – May 26, 2009
  • Guest Curator, “Arthur Szyk — Drawing Against National Socialism and Terror,” Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, Germany, August 29, 2008 – January 4, 2009
  • Consultant, “The Art and Politics of Arthur Szyk,” United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC, April – October 2002
  • Curator for the “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk” Traveling Exhibition Program, The Arthur Szyk Society, 2001 – 2017
  • Visiting Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom,” Library of Congress, Washington, DC, December 1999 – May 2000
  • Curator, “Washington & His Times,” Burlingame Public Library, Burlingame, CA, February – March 2000
  • Curator, “Arthur Szyk: Manuscript Illuminator, Political Artist, and Advocate for Humanity,” University Art Gallery, University of Scranton, PA, November 1999 – February 2000
  • Curator, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Spertus Museum, Chicago, IL, August 1998 – February 1999

Judaica

  • Curator, “The Cartographer’s Vision: 400 Years of Holy Land Maps,” Judah L. Magnes Museum, Berkeley, CA, May – September 1988

Lectures & Addresses

Irvin Ungar at the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin.Arthur Szyk

  • Lecture, “Injustice Illuminated: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” College of the Sequoias, Visalia, California, November 9, 2023. Article about the lecture, “COS Spotlights Work Of Arthur Szyk,” The Sun-Gazette, Karis Caddell, November 1, 2023
  • Lecture, “Injustice Illuminated: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, October 11, 2023
  • Webinar, “Injustice Illuminated: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” in observance of Yom HaShoah. Online presentation for Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. April 17, 2023
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah,” Congregation Beth Jacob, Redwood City, California, April 8, 2023
  • Irvin Ungar Interviewed by Paul Gross, Senior Fellow Menachem Begin Heritage Center, January 31, 2023
  • Lecture, “Celebrating ‘Soldier in Art’ Arthur Szyk,” Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II, Latrun, Israel, August 31, 2022
  • Lecture, “A Szyk Conversation,” McDonald International Shul, Netanya, Israel, August 27, 2022
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,”  Bayit Balev, Jerusalem, Israel, August 18, 2022
  • Lecture, “The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Protea Hills Anglo Club, Jerusalem, Israel, August 15, 2022
  • Lecture, “Visions of Israel: The Jewish State through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Kol HaOt, Jerusalem, Israel, August 14, 2022
  • Irvin Ungar presentation with Steven Luckert, “The Cartoon Crusader Comes to America: Arthur Szyk’s Battle against Nazis in the New World,” Fritz Ascher Society, November 10, 2021. Also part of the “Identity, Art and Migration: Artists and Composers who Fled Persecution” exhibit
  • Interview, “The Revival of Famed Artist Arthur Szyk | An Interview with Szyk Expert Irvin Ungar,” B’nai Brith International, August 24, 2021
  • Webinar, “How to Respond to Anti-Zionism–Lessons From a ‘Fighting Artist’,” Algemeiner Journal, New York, New York, June 15, 2021
  • Webinar, “Live in Conversation: A Modern Illuminated Haggadah,” Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland, April 1, 2021
  • Webinar, “Rabbi Byron Sherwin’s Commentary on The Szyk Haggadah,” Rav Byron Sherwin Learning Center and Institute, Chicago, Illinois, March 23, 2021
  • Webinar, “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah,” Oxford University Chabad Society, Oxford, United Kingdom, March 21, 2021
  • Webinar, “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah,” Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, February 24, 2021
  • Webinar, “To the Hallowed Memory of Europe’s Martyred Jews: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” Florida Holocaust Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida, January 14, 2021
  • Webinar, “Irvin Ungar and Arthur Szyk,” StandWithUs, Los Angeles, California, November 3, 2020
  • Irvin Ungar Interviewed by Joanna Podolska, Director of the Marek Edelman Centre, Łódź, Poland, September 15, 2020
  • Webinar, “To the Hallowed Memory of Europe’s Martyred Jews: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” JCC MetroWest, West Orange, New Jersey, August 26, 2020
  • Webinar, “Arthur Szyk and The Art of the Haggadah,” Advocacy Anywhere, Powered by AJC San Francisco, April 1, 2020
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Loma Pelona Conference Center, University of California Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, California, April 14, 2019
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Temple Beth Torah, Ventura, California, April 13, 2019
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Jewish Community Center of Ojai, Ojai, California, April 13, 2019
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Sperber Community Library, American Jewish University, Bel Air, California, April 11, 2019
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2019
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Kol HaOt Center, Jerusalem, November 12, 2018
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” The National Library of Israel, Givat Ram Campus of Hebrew University, November 8, 2018
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” University of Miami, The Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, October 29, 2018
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Immigrant Artist as FDR’s Soldier in Art,” Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, New York, NY, June 16, 2018
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life, Berkeley, CA, May 2, 2018
  • Irvin Ungar Interviewed by John Rothman, Sherith Israel, San Francisco, CA, March 9, 2018
  • Irvin Ungar Interviewed by Rabbi Dennis Eisner, Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo, CA, February 23, 2018
  • Guest Curator-led tours of “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art” exhibition, New-York Historical Society, New York City, NY, September 15 – January 21, 2017
  • Opening remarks on the occasion of the exhibition “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” New-York Historical Society, New York City, NY, September 11, 2017
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY, July 12, 2016
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY, July 11, 2016
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Congregation Or Zarua, New York, NY, May 15, 2016
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah,” Sherith Israel Congregation, San Francisco, CA, April 10, 2016
  • Lecture, “Building Bridges: The Legacy of Polish-Jewish Artist Arthur Szyk, Fighter for Justice and Freedom,” Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL, April 6, 2016
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom,” Jewish Museum Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, February 18, 2016
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Jewish Community Center, Scottsdale, AZ, January 21, 2016
  • Lecture, “Building Bridges: The Legacy of Polish-Jewish Artist Arthur Szyk,” Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, January 21, 2016
  • Lecture, “Injustice Illuminated: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” Seton Hill University, National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, Greensburg, PA, October 26, 2015
  • Lecture, “The Art and Artistry of Arthur Szyk,” 92nd Street Y, New York, NY, October 4, 2015
  • Seminar, “Holocaust Art and Arthur Szyk,” Jan Karski Institute for Holocaust Education, Georgetown University, July 16, 2015
  • Lecture, “To the Hallowed Memory of Europe’s Jews: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” Congregation Beth Emek, Pleasanton, CA, April 15, 2015
  • Conversation, a public discussion with Rabbi Michael Berenbaum about Arthur Szyk’s Haggadah and the Holocaust, American Jewish University, Los Angeles, CA, March 17, 2015
  • Scholar-in-Residence, a series of five different talks on Arthur Szyk, Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell, NJ, March 13 – 15, 2015
  • Lecture, “Visions of Israel: The Jewish State through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” The Jewish Center of the Hamptons, East Hampton, NY, July 27, 2014
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” The Jewish Center of the Hamptons, East Hampton, NY, July 26, 2014
  • Lecture, “Building Bridges: The Legacy of Polish-Jewish Artist Arthur Szyk,” Fifth World Congress on Polish Studies, Warsaw, Poland, June 22, 2014
  • Lecture, “In Honor of the 120th Birthday of Arthur Szyk, June 1894–June 2014,” Marek Edelman Dialogue Center, Lodz, Poland, June 25, 2014
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Queensborough Community College, Bayside, NY, June 18, 2014
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, TX, May 1, 2014
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, CA, March 30, 2014
  • Lecture, “Visions of Israel and the Jewish State through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Canadian Institute for Jewish Research, The Chevra Synagogue, Montreal, June 16, 2013
  • Lecture, “Building Bridges: The Legacy of Polish-Jewish Artist Arthur Szyk,” Kosciuszko Foundation, New York, April 9, 2013
  • Lecture, “To the Hallowed Memory of Europe’s Martyred Jews: The Holocaust Art of Arthur Szyk,” Temple Beth Hillel, Richmond, CA, April 7, 2013
  • Lecture, “The Fabric of America through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA, March 23, 2013
  • Lecture, “The Szyk Haggadah: Freedom Illuminated,” Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA, March 21, 2013
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk and Canada,” McGill Faculty Club and Conference Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, November 26, 2012
  • Lecture, “The Fabric of America through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” African & Middle Eastern Division Reading Room Thomas Jefferson Building,
    The Library of Congress, Washington, DC, November 6, 2012
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Book Illustrator Extraordinaire!” Skidmore College, September 22, 2011
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations,” Bard College, September 21, 2011
  • Lecture, “The Exquisite Art of Arthur Szyk,” Commonwealth Club of California, San Francisco, CA, June 13, 2011
  • Lecture, “On Arthur Szyk and The Szyk Haggadah,” Donohue Rare Book Room, Gleeson Library, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, April 14, 2011
  • Opening Address, “Visions of Israel: The Jewish State through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Koret Pavilion at the Ziff Center for Jewish Campus Life at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, April 13, 2011
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk and his Passover Haggadah: A Library of Congress Treasure,” Africa and Middle Eastern Division Reading Room, The Library of Congress, Washington DC, April 4, 2011
  • Lecture, “On Arthur Szyk and The Szyk Haggadah,” Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington DC, April 3, 2011
  • Lecture, “On Arthur Szyk and The Szyk Haggadah,” Text and Culture Lecture Series, Taube Center for Jewish Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, March 8, 2011
  • Symposium, “Social Justice in the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2011
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations,” Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, January 9, 2011
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations,” Burlingame Public Library, Burlingame, CA, December 8, 2010
  • Gallery Tour, “Arthur Szyk: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations,” Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, December 4, 2010
  • Lecture, “On Arthur Szyk and The Szyk Haggadah,” Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada, October 17, 2010
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” The Alcuin Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada, October 14, 2010
  • Lecture, “On Arthur Szyk and The Szyk Haggadah,” B’nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, FL, October 3, 2010
  • Lecture, “Remaking The Szyk Haggadah,” The Rotary Club of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA, May 6, 2010
  • Lecture, “Visions of Israel: The Jewish State through the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 20, 2010
  • Lecture, “The Haggadah for All Seasons: Szyk’s Passover Masterpiece,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 18, 2010
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Morrison Library, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, March 1, 2010
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” The National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Veterans Day, Washington DC, November 11, 2009
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 19, 2009
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Broome Street Gallery, New York, NY, April 12, 2009
  • Lecture, “The ABCs of Passover Through the Szyk Haggadah,” Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo, CA, March 26, 2009
  • Lecture, “Understanding the Printed Torah,” Congregation Brith Shalom, Houston, TX, March 23, 2009
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” The Roxburghe Club, San Francisco, CA, March 19, 2009
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City, CA, March 15, 2009
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, Pittsburgh, PA, January 25, 2009
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” San Francisco Center for the Book, San Francisco, CA, October 16, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Jewish Business Persons Lunch (JBL), Walnut Creek, CA, September 22, 2008
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Zeughauskino, Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, Germany, August 27, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” The Jewish Center of the Hamptons, East Hampton, NY, June 29, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Association of Jewish Libraries, 2008 Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH, June 23, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Judah L. Magnes Museum, Berkeley, CA, April 13, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” BJE Jewish Community Library, San Francisco, CA, April 10, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo, CA, March 28, 2008
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Friedman Society, The Jewish Museum, New York, NY, June 3, 2007
  • Lecture, “Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah,” Congregation Kol Emet, Palo Alto, CA, March 25, 2007
  • Guest Speaker, Presentation: “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Burlingame High School, Burlingame, CA, March 13, 2007
  • Opening Address, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, January 8, 2007
  • Opening Address, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Center for Jewish Culture, Krakow, Poland, October 24, 2005
  • Lecture, “Fabric of America,” Facing History and Ourselves Teachers’ Seminar, Oakland, CA, August 4, 2005
  • Opening Address, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Jewish Historical Institute, Warsaw, Poland, June 30, 2005
  • Lecture, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Facing History and Ourselves Teachers’ Seminar, San Francisco, CA, August 6, 2004
  • Opening Address, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk” Burlingame Public Library, Burlingame, CA, February 3, 2000
  • Keynote Address, “Arthur Szyk: Manuscript Illuminator, Political Artist, and Advocate for Humanity” University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, January 9, 2000
  • Keynote Address, “Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom” Library of Congress, December 8, 1999
  • Keynote Address, “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk” Spertus Museum, Chicago, IL, August 16, 1998
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk, His Life and Art” Center for Jewish Art, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, June 3, 1994

Judaica

  • Scholar-in-Residence, Congregation B’nai Zion, El Paso, TX, December 8 – 10, 2006
  • Scholar-in-Residence, Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo, CA September 8 – 10, 2006
  • Scholar-in-Residence, Congregation Har Shalom, Potomac, MD, March 17 – 19, 2006
  • Lecture, “Arthur Szyk and the Illustrated Book,” Association of Jewish Librarians Convention, Oakland, CA, June 21, 2005
  • Lecture, “Building an American Judaica Collection,” Association of Jewish Librarians Convention, Brooklyn, NY, June 22, 2004
  • Lecture, “The Art and Evolution of the Illustrated Jewish Book,” Jewish Community Library, San Francisco, CA, November 10, 1991
  • Keynote Address, “A Cartographic Pilgrimage through the Holy Land,” Judah L. Magnes Museum, Berkeley, CA, June 26, 1988
  • Lecture, “Torah and analytical comparisons of Aseret ha Dibrot within the Pentateuch,” Simpson College, San Francisco, CA, December 11, 1985

Publications & Broadcasts

Books

Arthur Szyk

  • Arthur Szyk Preserved: Institutional Collections of Original Art. Burlingame: Historicana, and Lewes: GILES, 2023 (Editor and co-publisher)
  • Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art. Burlingame: Historicana and London: GILES, 2017 (Editor, contributor, and co-publisher)
  • Heroes of Ancient Israel: The Playing Card Art of Arthur Szyk. Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 2011 (Contributor and publisher)
  • The Szyk Haggadah, New York: Abrams, 2011 (Co-publisher)
  • The New Edition of The Szyk Haggadah, and its companion volume, Freedom Illuminated, Understanding The Szyk Haggadah, Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 2008 (Publisher of The Szyk Haggadah; contributor, co-editor, and publisher of Freedom Illuminated)
  • Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk, Chicago: Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, 1998 (Editor and contributor)

Judaica

  • Long Live the Land of the Free: A Chronology of Jewish Life in the Americas, Highlighting 350 Years of Jews in the United States, Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 2004†
  • American Judaica: Books, pamphlets, documents, letters, prints by and about Jews in America, Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 1998†
  • The Birth of a Nation: The Jewish People and The Land of Israel, Zion Anniversary Catalogue, Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 1997†
  • Collector’s Haggadah Catalogue, Burlingame, CA: Historicana, 1994†
  • Rabbinic Alumni Journal, New York: Academy for Jewish Religion, 1987

† Catalogue

Articles and Essays

Arthur Szyk

  • “Arthur Szyk and the modern Maccabees” online article in the Algemeiner journal and print article in The Jerusalem Report, January 8, 2024
  • “Tears of Rage” online article in the Algemeiner journal, online article in The Jerusalem Post and print article in The Jerusalem Report, November 27, 2023
  • “Arthur Szyk: If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither” online article in the Algemeiner journal, online article in The Jerusalem Post and print article in The Jerusalem Report, May 8,2023
  • Celebrating the Bond Between Israel and Liberia,” online article in the Algemeiner journal, December 20, 2022
  • Arthur Szyk: An Illustrator of Moral Clarity and an Artist for Our Time,” online article in the Algemeiner journal, June 20, 2022
  • Arthur Szyk’s Haggadah and the Jews of Lviv,” online article in the Algemeiner journal, April 15, 2022
  • King Abdullah I and Arthur Szyk: A Zionist’s Portrayal of an Arab Leader,” online article in The Jerusalem Post, with Samantha Lyons, November 7, 2019, and print article in The Jerusalem Report, December 9, 2019
  • Prominent Zionist Artist’s Remarkable Portrayal of an Arab Leader,” article in the Algemeiner journal, with Samantha Lyons, November 28, 2019
  • Freedom Illuminated: My journey with The Szyk Haggadah,” cover story for The Jerusalem Report, April 22, 2019
  • My Journey With The Szyk Haggadah,” article in The Forward, April 19, 2019
  • “Arthur Szyk: Immigrant Artist as FDR’s Soldier in Art,” essay for Enduring Ideals: Rockwell, Roosevelt and the Four Freedoms. New York City: Abbeville Press Publishers, and Stockbridge: Norman Rockwell Museum, in conjunction with the exhibition Enduring Ideals, 2018
  • “The Brush and the Sword: Arthur Szyk’s Mission as a Jew,” essay for Paper Brigade, a publication of the Jewish Book Council, Volume Two 2018/5778
  • “Behind the Great Art and the Great Messages Stands Arthur Szyk, the Great Man,” essay for Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art. London: D Giles Limited, in association with Historicana and The Arthur Szyk Society, 2017
  • Nostra Aetate at 50: Jewish Art, Christian Conscience,” [co-authored with Allison Claire Chang], Moment magazine, October 21, 2015
  • “Arthur Szyk: Artist for Freedom,” essay for Washington’s Rebuke to Bigotry: Reflections on Our First President’s Famous 1790 Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, Facing History and Ourselves, 2015
  • “Arthur Szyk (1894-1951),” essay for Presentation of Awards: Illustrators Hall of Fame catalogue, The Society of Illustrators, New York, May 1, 2015; also posted
    online
  • “Arthur Szyk and the Jewish Book Council,” essay for Jewish Book World, Winter 2011
  • “Building Bridges: The Legacy of Polish-Jewish Artist Arthur Szyk, Fighter for Justice and Freedom,” essay
    in the catalogue Artur Szyk: Dziedzictwo polsko-żydowskiego artysty „Karykatury wojenne”. Krakow: Stradom Dialogue Center, 2011
  • “Arthur Szyk: Heraldic Artist” by David F. Phillips. Burlingame: The Arthur Szyk Society, 2010†
  • “Documents as a Palette of Life: The Genealogical Self-Portrait of Arthur Szyk” by Rhoda Miller. Burlingame: The Arthur Szyk Society, 2010†
  • “Arthur Szyk and his Books of Esther,” Hadassah Magazine, February/March 2010
  • “Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” essay in the exhibition catalogue Arthur Szyk: Drawing Against National Socialism and Terror. Berlin: Deutsches Historisches Museum, 2008
  • “Telling the Story: A History of The Szyk Haggadah,” in Freedom Illuminated: Understanding The Szyk Haggadah. Burlingame: Historicana, 2008
  • “The Civil Rights Art of Arthur Szyk” by Paul Von Blum. Burlingame: The Arthur Szyk Society, 2006†
  • “Democracy’s Weapon: Arthur Szyk in America” by Harry Katz. Burlingame: The Arthur Szyk Society, 2005†
  • “Calling Out From the Depths: Arthur Szyk’s ‘De Profundis’ and Holocaust Protest in the United States” by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Burlingame: The Arthur Szyk Society, 2004†
  • “Szyk’s Haggadah: A Timeless Call for Freedom” Washington Jewish Week, Washington, DC, April 20, 2000
  • “Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk” [co-authored with Joseph P. Ansell], Biblio Magazine, February 1999
  • Newsletters of The Arthur Szyk Society, 1998 – 2017†

† Edited or co-edited by Irvin Ungar

Judaica

  • “The Kibbutz Haggadah: A Record of Jewish Life In Modern Times,” AB Bookman’s Weekly, NJ, April 1, 1991
  • “Memorial for the 248 Soldiers of the 101st Airborne: A Jewish Response,” The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, January 3, 1986
  • “When Your Child Asks About God,” Pedagogic Reporter, NY, October 1986
  • “When Your Child Asks About God,” Peninsula Parent, San Mateo, CA, November 1985
  • “From Slavery to Freedom,” Reform Judaism, NY, Fall 1985
  • “A Bargain with God,” Reform Judaism, NY, Summer 1984
  • “Jewish opinion on voluntary school prayer,” San Mateo County Times, San Mateo, CA, January 29, 1983
  • “Rabbi on Skokie: Those who understand will understand,” San Mateo County Times, CA, November 21, 1981
  • “The Moral Majority: The impact of ‘religious rightists’,” San Mateo County Times, CA, December 6, 1980

Baseball

Radio, TV & Film Appearances

Irvin Ungar on the John Rothmann Talk Show on KGO Radio. San Francisco, CA.Arthur Szyk

  • Episode 9: Interview with Rabbi Irvin Ungar on the Art of Arthur Szyk,” Podcast by Holy Sparks, May, 2023
  • Fighting Artist Arthur Szyk: A Conversation with Szyk Expert Irvin Ungar,” Podcast by Warfare of Art & Law, July 11, 2021
  • Interview with Irvin Ungar,” Produced by the Norman Rockwell Museum at N-YHS Szyk exhibition (2017), posted on YouTube May 6, 2021
  • Virtual Memories Show Episode 272: Irvin Ungar,” Podcast by Gil Roth, Produced by Gil Roth, June 3, 2018
  • L’Chayim: The Art of Arthur Szyk,” Interview by Mark S. Golub, Produced by The Jewish Broadcasting Service, November 17, 2015
  • Father John Pawlikowski Reflects: Nostra Aetate and Arthur Szyk,” Directed by Jim Ruxin, Produced by Irvin Ungar. Musical score by Richard Friedman. Illuminated Productions, 2015
  • Collector Brings WWII Artworks Back to the Public,” Interview aired on New China TV, July 22, 2015; associated news writeups (in Chinese) can be viewed here and here
  • Szyk’s Haggadah on Display in San Francisco,” Jewish News One TV story by Rebecca Bowring, February 18, 2014
  • Soldier in Art: Arthur Szyk,” Directed by Jim Ruxin; co-produced by Irvin Ungar and Jim Ruxin. Musical score by Richard Friedman. Illuminated Productions, 2013.
  • Interview with Irvin Ungar,” Produced by Facing History and Ourselves, December 17, 2012.
  • “Studio Poland” with Zbigniew Stanczyk, KUSF 90.3 FM, San Francisco, January 2, 2011, on Arthur Szyk
  • In Every Generation: Remaking the Szyk Haggadah,” Directed by Jim Ruxin, JKR Productions, co-produced by Irvin Ungar (Historicana) and Jim Ruxin (JKR Productions), 2008
  • Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art,” Directed by Jim Ruxin, JKR Productions, co-produced by Irvin Ungar (Historicana) and Jim Ruxin (JKR Productions). 2006
  • “Arthur Szyk: Illuminator,” Directed by Piotr Zarebski. Lodz, Poland, 2005
  • “Arthur Szyk’s Earliest Cartoons,” History Detectives for PBS, broadcast, July 18, 2005 on national television
  • “The John Rothmann Show,” KGO Newstalk Radio 810 AM, San Francisco, July 7, 2005, on Szyk artwork returning to Poland and upcoming TV special
  • “The John Rothmann Show,” KGO Newstalk Radio 810 AM, San Francisco, July 4, 2004, on American Judaica: Highlighting 350 Years of Jews in the United States
  • “The Phil Blazer Show” KSCI-TV-Channel 18, Los Angeles; WMBC-Channel 63, New York and vicinity; WAMI-Channel 69, Miami and South Florida, May 16, 2000, on Szyk
  • “The John Rothmann Show,” KGO Newstalk Radio 810 AM, San Francisco, January 16, 2000, on Szyk and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day’s work
  • “Art Scene with Erika Funke,” WVIA-FM, a National Public Radio affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, January 8, 2000, on the Szyk exhibition at the University of Scranton Art Gallery

Academy for Jewish Religion

American Jewish Committee

Articles About Irvin Ungar

Arthur Szyk

  • ‘He Has Something to Say to Us Today’: Museum of Jewish History Set to Honor Legacy of ‘The Great Artist’ Arthur Szyk” online article the Algemeiner journal, Dion J. Pierre, February 22, 2024
  • Grapevine February 20 2024: Saving a whole world,” online article The Jerusalem Post, Greer Fay Cashman, February 21, 2024. (Scroll to the bottom of the article)
  • Grapevine August 17, 2022: A boost for tolerance and understanding,” online article The Jerusalem Post, Greer Fay Cashman, August 16, 2022
  • Irvin & Arthur Jerusalem’s distinguished guests: the collector, his artist inspiration,” online article The Jerusalem Post, David Geffen, August 14, 2022 and print article The Jerusalem Report, August 12, 2022
  • Der Illustrator und Karikaturist Arthur Szyk zwischen Weltruhm und Vergessenheit. Ein Gespräch mit dem Forscher Irvin Ungar,” (The illustrator and caricaturist Arthur Szyk between world fame and oblivion. A conversation with the researcher Irvin Ungar.) by Steven Heller, article in AufBau, December/January 2021/2022.
  • The work of Arthur Szyk, whose political cartoons lampooned Hitler, resonates today,”Berkeleyside, Frances Dinkelspiel, March 6, 2020
  • A Soldier in Art – The Megillat Esther of Arthur Szyk,”The Jerusalem Post, David Geffen, March 5, 2020
  • Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art, ed. Irvin Ungar,” The Polish Review Vol. 64, Danuta Batorska, University of Houston, 2019
  • Arthur Szyk – A Soldier in Art,” The Jerusalem Post, David Geffen, November 9, 2018
  • Arthur Szyk Captures New York,” Print magazine, The Daily Heller newsletter, September 15, 2017
  • “Art Expert Ungar to Discuss Illuminator Szyk for EJLCC,” The Chautauquan Daily, July 11, 2016
  • Arthur Szyk, Laureate,” Print.com, Steven Heller, May 1, 2015
  • The Almost-Forgotten Jewish Artist Who Propagandized Against Hitler,” The Atlantic.com, Steven Heller, May 29, 2014
  • “Reading Szyk’s Cards,” The Jewish Press.com, November 23, 2012
  • “Expert in Judaic studies to host annual lecture Sept. 24 at Skidmore College,” The Saratogian, September 8, 2011
  • “Haggadot: Yesterday’s Telling for Today,” Hadassah Magazine, Zelda Shluker, April 2011
  • Arthur Szyk’s Haggadah and Singapore’s Sunken Treasure,” The New York Times, Eve M. Kahn, March 10, 2011
  • “Illuminating Arthur Szyk: An Interview with Irvin Ungar,” Voice: AIGA Journal of Design, Steve Heller, November 24, 2010
  • “Brush with greatness: Mastery of artist Arthur Szyk on display at S.F. museum,”,j. the Jewish news weekly of Northern California, Dan Pine, December 16, 2010
  • “Arthur Szyk: A New Exhibit of the Great Illuminator,” The Huffington Post, Richard Z. Chesnoff, April 12, 2010
  • “To Serve My People, Parts I and II,” The Jewish Press, Richard McBee, March 12 and 17, 2010
  • “Freedom Song,” The East Bay Express, Anneli Rufus, February 24, 2010
  • “An Artist for All Seasons,” The Jerusalem Report, Mordechai Beck, January 18, 2010
  • “World War II through the eyes of cartoonist Arthur Szyk,” Pravda, Artur Rudzitsky, August 31, 2009
  • “Describing a Scribe,” Forward, Sarah Kessler, April 28, 2009
  • “The Jewish caricaturist who drew a one-man battle against Hitler,” Haaretz, A.J. Goldmann, April 22, 2009
  • “New Life for Arthur Szyk,” Forward, A.J. Goldmann, April 20, 2009
  • “Artysta trzech kultur,”, Nowy Dziennik, Czesław Karkowski, April 17, 2009
  • “Everything is Illuminated,” Jewish Exponent [Philadelphia], Robert Leiter, April 9, 2009
  • “The Szyk Haggadah,” The National Jewish Post & Opinion [Indianapolis], Miriam Zimmerman, March 18, 2009
  • “Berlin Art,” Wall Street Journal, Jeffrey Scott Marcus, December 12, 2008
  • “Soldier with a Paintbrush,” Hadassah Magazine, Toby Axelrod, October 2008
  • “Arthur Szyk’s Cartoons and a Reckoning with History,” International Herald Tribune, Michael Kimmelman, September 10, 2008
  • “A Caricaturist, but No Funny Stuff Here,” The New York Times, Michael Kimmelman, September 8, 2008
  • “The Szyk Haggadah, Revived and Illuminated.” The New York Sun, Gabriella Birkner, April 18, 2008
  • “The classic Szyk Haggadah becomes a model masterpiece of the Digital Age.” (Los Angeles) Jewish Journal, Tom Tugend, April 18, 2008
  • “Szyk Haggadah Goes High-Tech.” (New York) Jewish Week, Sandee Brawarsky, April 16, 2008
  • “Drawing on Experience.” Jerusalem Post, Tom Tugend, April 11, 2008
  • “New Szyk Haggadah Going for $15,000.” JTA, Tom Tugend, April 8, 2008
  • “Szyk Transit” Print Magazine, Steve Heller, February 2008
  • “The Szyk Haggadah” Amphora Journal, Rollin Milroy, October 2007
  • “Helping preserve art of freedom, Burlingame society keeping alive artist’s illuminating work.” San Mateo County Times, San Mateo, CA, August 15, 2005
  • “Exhibit of WWII artist on display in his native Poland.” Carolyn Slutsky, Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), July 25, 2005 and numerous publications throughout United States, August 4, 2005
  • Burlingame Judaica expert working to make Arthur Szyk famous again.” Joshua Brandt, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, January 21, 2000
  • “Irvin Ungar: Touching History.” Jerry Tallmer, Lifestyles Magazine, New York, Fall 1999

Judaica

  • The Jewish Publication Society collection to be donated to Israel,” online article The Jerusalem Post, David Geffen, July 27, 2022, and print article The Jerusalem Report, August 8, 2022
  • “By the numbers, Burlingame man compiles catalogue with rare American Judaica” by Dan Pine, J. The Jewish News Weekly of Northern California, November 12, 2004
  • “Judaica – by the book” by David Bittner, Jewish Journal, Miami Florida, January 9, 1992
  • “Israel’s history comes alive in antiquarian’s documents” by Tamar Kaufman, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, May 8, 1992
  • “Vintage haggadot integrate story of state, Exodus” by Peggy Isaak Gluck, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, May 3, 1991
  • “Area dealer buys a rare Anne Frank signature” by Peggy Isaak Gluck, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, April 6, 1990
  • “Knowledge of Judaica prevents ‘fake’ buys” by Peggy Isaak Gluck, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, March 3, 1989
  • “Rabbi’s business is selling rarities” by Sandra Buarnett, San Mateo Times, CA, March 5, 1988
  • “Peninsula rabbi opens new antique Judaica business” by Peggy Isaak Gluck, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, November 20, 1987
  • “Rabbi Ungar maps out book dealing venture” by W. Thomas Tizard, Boutique & Villager, Burlingame, CA, October 21, 1987
  • “’Unity’ Seminary planning national reunion in S.F.” by Winston Pickett, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, January 9, 1987
  • “Rabbi makes Judaism real for tiny tots on Peninsula” by C.G. Grant, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, November 1, 1985
  • “Many rabbis blind to ‘1 Jewish people,’ Chevra rabbi says” by Peggy Isaak Gluck, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California, San Francisco, June 7, 1985

Affiliations

  • Board Member, American Jewish Committee Northern California, 2020-present
  • Board Member and Curator, The Arthur Szyk Society, February 2000 – 2017
  • Board President, The Arthur Szyk Society, Mar 1997 – January 2000
  • David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies Art & Letters Council, 2005 – Present
  • Member, Advisory Board, San Francisco–Krakow Sister Cities Association, 2010 – 2010
  • Chairman, Alumni Conference, Academy for Jewish Religion, January 18 – 21, 1987
  • Member, ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America), 1991 – Present
  • Member, Alumni Association, Academy for Jewish Religion, 1974 – Present
  • Member, Northern California Board of Rabbis, 1980 – 1987