Toronto Synagogue Introduces Comic Books into Sunday School Curriculum

Students at Toronto’s Beth Radom Congregation will experience a unique approach to learning when Sunday Hebrew school classes start on October 5, 2025. Under the guidance of spiritual leader Cantor Jeremy Burko, the curriculum will incorporate his extensive collection of over 550 Jewish superhero comics. This initiative aims to explore the themes of Jewish culture and resilience through the lens of popular comic book characters, many of whom have Jewish backgrounds or were created by Jewish artists.

Cantor Burko’s idea emerged as a response to the growing international movement to boycott Jewish and Israeli culture following events on October 7. He believes that these larger-than-life heroes can inspire families to find strength and pride amid rising antisemitism. This curriculum will feature characters such as Superman, Batwoman, and Magneto, who embody values that resonate with Jewish teachings.

In a recent podcast interview, Burko highlighted the significance of studying historic Jewish characters. He pointed out that characters like the Golem, a Talmudic legend, and modern adaptations such as Moon Knight reflect Jewish struggles and triumphs. Despite the rich history of Jewish representation in comics, Burko noted a decline in this representation, particularly in mainstream media.

The initiative is not just about entertainment; it’s also a strategic response to combat rising antisemitism. Burko emphasized that the qualities embodied by these superhero figures—such as justice, resilience, and community responsibility—are also core Jewish values. By connecting these values to beloved characters, the program aims to foster pride and identity among young students.

The curriculum aims to make the Sunday school experience more engaging. The school’s logo features children dressed as superheroes adorned with Stars of David. Burko explained that through this method, he hopes to teach resilience and pride, acting as a countermeasure to the negative narratives surrounding Jewish identity.

As the podcast discussed, the past few years have seen significant pressures on Jewish representation in Hollywood. A-list celebrities have publicly announced their intent to boycott Israeli artists, while some Jewish actors have voiced opposition to this movement. Cantor Burko remains optimistic, pointing out that characters like Sabra, an Israeli superheroine, still hold relevance despite recent attempts to alter their narratives.

The integration of comic books into the curriculum is part of a broader strategy to address antisemitism. Burko believes that by using comic book heroes to illustrate moral lessons, students can better understand their heritage while also enjoying the stories. This educational approach allows for difficult subjects, such as the Holocaust, to be addressed in a more accessible format for younger audiences.

Burko discussed his collection, which began to grow after he became aware of the BDS movement and its impact on Jewish representation in media. He expressed concern over how characters like Sabra have been depersonalized in recent adaptations, stripping away their cultural identities.

Overall, the feedback from parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive. Families appreciate the program’s focus on teaching resilience and pride through engaging material. By connecting comic book narratives to Jewish values, Burko aims to equip students with the tools to confront and navigate challenges in a changing world.

This innovative approach to education is not only a response to current events but also a celebration of Jewish culture through the popular medium of comic books. As the classes commence, Cantor Burko hopes to inspire a new generation to take pride in their identity while learning important life lessons from their favorite superhero characters.