Welcome to the latest edition of Graven, the newsletter of the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle. Slow and steady is the way to go, especially when there are so many details, opportunities and events to include on the journey to making this project a reality. We'll revisit some items, some have changed course slightly and been expanded.
LibraryCat
Forget about LibraryThing and turn your attention to LibraryCat. This is where we make our catalog available to the public. You can browse, search by author, title, genre, topic or tag, and read reviews and other information about the book.
Anyone can browse the catalog but only paid subscribers will have access to accounts.
Current subscription rates are $18 for an individual and $54 for institutions. Books can be checked out for 30 days and will be made available upon request.
Go to the catalog by clicking on the image!
Collection Development
This is an on-going process that is dependent upon funds which are dependent on fundraising. But the wish list has grown considerably after attending the Jewish Comics convention in New York City. We bought twenty new titles and met many authors and artists as well as academics interested in comics history. We made a lot of new friends who are interested in this cultural phenomenon.
Here is a link to our wishlist on Amazon for anyone who would like to donate a book to our collection:
Wishlist
Events
We attended JewCE in New York City on November 11 & 12! It was as interesting and informative as we hoped it would be, so that is exciting since it was the first annual Jewish comic book convention. We met with many key players and came home with ideas for events of our own.
Watch out for our pop-up libraries that we hope to hold this Spring.
We are in the planning stages for some pop up libraries this Spring to bring our books and mission into the community. We will hold these in Seattle Public Library branch libraries, so if you would like to see us in your neighborhood, let us know.
Along with the Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound we held a havdalah ceremony and presentation on Jewish involvement in the comic book industry. We plan a similar presentation at this year's Limmud Seattle in January.
Fundraising
Slow and steady. On the one hand, the giving season is upon us and we have plans and ideas that need the cash to keep things moving along. On the other hand, we are very grateful to the readers of this newsletter who have already given this year. We'll just report that grant applications are ongoing and we have decided to lend books on a subscription model, so that has potential and we are always on the lookout for opportunity.
Among Our Goals
Fostering a more inclusive and impactful approach to promoting cultural understanding, combating anti-Semitism, and celebrating the diversity within the Jewish community
Things to watch out for when discussing controversial topics
The Jewish community prides itself in the variety of opinion within the community and encourages questioning. However, difference of opinion can lead to conflict and we are in a historical period of serious conflict. As a Jewish organization with a humanistic orientation, it seems appropriate to point out some things to consider while considering the content of some of the works in our collection. We value the diversity of the writers and artists who are represented and are aware that some of the content is controversial.
The use of slogans and emotionally charged language can contribute to polarization and hinder progress in conflict resolution. Slogans and flashpoint words often oversimplify complex issues, reinforce existing divisions, and may not accurately capture the nuanced realities of a situation. They can lead to a heightened emotional response, making it challenging for constructive and nuanced dialogue to take place.
Here are a few reasons why slogans and flashpoint words might impede progress:
Oversimplification: Slogans tend to distill complex issues into brief, emotionally charged statements. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its deep historical roots and multifaceted dimensions, defies easy simplification. Attempts to do so through slogans risk overlooking the intricacies of the situation.
Emotional Polarization: Flashpoint words often evoke strong emotions and can polarize perspectives. When discussions become emotionally charged, it becomes more difficult for people to engage in rational, open-minded dialogue. This emotional polarization can hinder efforts to find common ground.
Lack of Nuance: Complex conflicts require nuanced and context-aware discussions. Slogans may lack the depth needed to address the various historical, cultural, and geopolitical factors at play. This lack of nuance can contribute to misunderstanding and reinforce pre-existing biases.
Us vs. Them Mentality: The use of slogans can contribute to an "us vs. them" mentality, where one side is pitted against the other. This binary thinking can impede the recognition of shared interests and hinder collaborative problem-solving.
To promote progress in conflict resolution, it's essential to encourage discussions that embrace complexity, foster empathy, and prioritize understanding. Engaging in open, respectful dialogue that acknowledges the diverse perspectives involved can be more productive than relying on slogans or inflammatory language. Creating a space for nuanced conversations allows for a deeper exploration of the issues and increases the likelihood of finding common ground and sustainable solutions.
A few of our recently acquired titles while at JewCE