‘Magical Jews’
“Magical Jews: The Life and Times of Great Jewish Magicians,” a free talk by Allan Zola Kronzek about the enormous contribution of Jews to magic from the 1840s through the 1930s, will take place next Thursday at 8 p.m. at Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor.
According to Mr. Kronzek, a magician and writer from Sag Harbor, many Jewish magicians became international celebrities and pioneers of prestidigitation. “Houdini is the most celebrated of these performers, but Alexander Herrmann and David Bamberg were better magicians,” he said.
Mr. Kronzek, who performs primarily in schools, colleges, and libraries, has written four books, including “The Sorcerer’s Companion: A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter.” He will also present “Magical Jews” at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan on June 1.