The Sue Ann & Bill Bangel Lecture Series presents "American Jewish Humor: A Celebration!"

(Newport News, Va.) - The Sue Ann and Bill Bangel Lecture Series in Judaism at CNU will present “American Jewish Humor: A Celebration!” on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in Gaines Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. No reservation is required.

Dr. Marc Lee Raphael of the College of William & Mary will compare Jewish and American humor, and discuss how the best Jewish humor includes an underlying anger, whether at injustice or family grievances. Raphael will also share some of his favorite jokes as he examines what makes a joke "Jewish." 

Raphael is a reform rabbi and the Nathan and Sophia Gumenick Professor of Judaic Studies at the College of William & Mary. He earned both a BA and a PhD at the University of California, and is also a senior Fulbright lecturer, a member of the board of trustees of the Council on Spiritual and Ethical Education, and a member of the executive board of the American Jewish Historical Society. He has published widely on the history of Jews and Judaism in America.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Graham Schweig at gschweig@cnu.edu.