Many of the classic American superheroes from Superman to the Fantastic Four all have one thing in common — they were created by Jewish writers and illustrators.

So, the theme for this year's Jewish Book Fair and Jewish Arts Festival is "Comics and Comedians," highlighting the many authors who have gained fame for their jokes on the stage and on paper.

Provided by Salt Lake local businesses The King's English Bookshop and Night Flight Comics, the book fair will offer more than 500 publications from genres of comedy, history, fiction, science fiction and art.

"We've got everything from 'A' to 'Z' on Jewish authors," fair director Michelle Oelsner said.

Whether the books are written by a Jewish author or delve into Jewish topics, they cater to all ages, Oelsner said.

In conjunction with the book fair, the Jewish Arts Festival kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 14, with a comedy show by New York comedian Michele Balan and a lecture by graphic novelist J.T. Waldman.

The evening will also include catered Middle Eastern appetizers from Mazza cafe and a recitation of havdalah for the conclusion of Shabbat, the Jewish sabbath.

Admission to the opening night festivities is $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

For advanced tickets, call the Jewish Community Center at (801) 581-0098.

Opening night events will be 6:15-10 p.m., and then the festival will be open free to the public, Nov. 15 12 p.m.-5 p.m. at the I.J. and Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 N. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City.

For more information, visit www.slcjcc.org.

e-mail: bbrown@desnews.com