Magic Performances
Bringing Jewish wisdom to life can feel abstract and distant. I transform complex ideas into a live experience that entertains, teaches, and inspires. My educational magic show, Searching for God in a Magic Shop, blends Jewish thought with wonder and storytelling, making deep concepts approachable and unforgettable.
Searching for God in a Magic Shop
What They're Saying...
"Inviting Arthur Kurzweil to London to perform magic for our Made in Heaven singles event was the best decision we ever made! Having a speaker of his caliber caused the event to be inundated with three times the amount of expected attendees. Everyone who saw him was enthralled with his wit and wisdom and charismatic stage presence. We feel that he gave the entire event a 'buzz', a positive vibe which resulted in our most successful event to date.”
- Este Stimler, London EnglandShape
"How do you introduce Jewish values and ideas into a magic act? You have to experience it to believe that it can be done! Who else could have thought of this but a Master Magician, a Talmudic scholar, and a Jewish Genealogist combined. So where can you find such a marvelous combination? In none other than the Remarkable Extraordinary Fantastic Arthur Kurzweil who works with illusion and sleight of hand, mystery and marvel as he weaves words of wisdom filled with wit into his inimitable magic act. Laughter and diversion set up the audience to learn in a most entertaining way!"
- Peninnah Schram, noted author and storyteller
"Arthur Kurzweil’s show, “Searching for God in a Magic Shop,” is an entertaining and enchanting blend of magic and spirituality. Author, educator, editor, publisher, teacher and magician, Arthur is a contemporary Jewish Renaissance man. In his show, magic opens the door to spiritual enlightenment and reminds us of the profound richness and wisdom of this ancient art. Like a fairy tale wizard, he astonishes with tricks and illusions that lead to deeper truths. This is a wonderful show that should not be missed."
- Ruth Knafo Setton – Lehigh University
"Arthur Kurzweil's show was delightfully entertaining. He combines wit, storytelling and magic into a presentation that is enjoyed by all. Our students not only enjoyed the performance but also loved having discussions with him both before and after the show. I would highly suggest this for all ages."
- Rabbi Ely Allen, Director of Hillel of Northern New Jersey
"Arthur Kurzweil's “Searching for God in a Magic Shop” mesmerized the audience with his wonderful blend of fascinating Torah telling, magic prowess and humor. He was able to take a profound topic and make it intelligible and enjoyable for both youngsters and adults. His interactive presentation has given new meaning to the word Abracadabra and helped all to a better understanding of where and how Judaism and Magic meet. Excellent!”
- Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, Bridgewater, N.J.
“Arthur Kurzweil’s evening at our Temple proved to be an engaging, entertaining and educational experience. The audience was captivated by his use of prestidigitation to explain Jewish thought and ideology. From the youngest members in our audience to the more senior among us, we all agree that our evening with Arthur was truly magical.”
- Debbie Hercky, Adult Education Temple Sholom, Bridgewater, N.J.
“Arthur Kurzweil’s program, “Searching for God in a Magic Shop”, was wonderful! His usual warm, down-to-earth, menschlich style immediately established a wonderful, warm rapport with all the students. His sensitivity and respect for all the different ways students express and celebrate their Jewishness truly have a meaningful impact on them. I – and the students – were so impressed with the way he so brilliantly and creatively used a dazzling magic show to share with everyone your wisdom on Jewish values. He has a unique, very effective way of engaging the audience with his warm personal style, insights from Jewish texts, and inspiring stories form Jewish tradition and from his own life experience. It is clear from the enthusiastic feedback that students and staff not only loved his presentation but also learned a great deal.”
- Rabbi Meir Mitelman, Hofstra University Hillel
"Arthur Kurzweil performed a "magic show" on November 17th, leading us through a unique exploration of both the world of illusions and the treasures of Jewish thought."
- Ted Merwin, Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life
"Arthur Kurzweil's “Searching for God in a Magic Shop” was delightful. His mix of Torah, magic and Jewish wisdom was entertaining, fascinating and informative. Everyone present agreed that this was certainly a very successful program."
- Lauren Varod, Program Director Congregation Ohev Shalom/Marlboro Jewish Center, Marlboro, NJ
"I’ve just experienced Arthur Kurzweil’s fascinating performance and it was enchanting! It goes way beyond your typical magic act. A harmonious blend of Torah insight, superb storytelling and deftly accomplished illusions make for a really magical event. My whole#hearted recommendations for audiences of all ages and backgrounds."
- Gershon Sabol, Director Partners in Care / Yedei Chesed
“Mr. Kurzweil gave a wholly entertaining performance with interesting insights into faith. My audience of children, adults, and seniors all enjoyed it on different levels. I have gotten great feedback from the audience.”
- Sara Weinstein, Programming Chair, Brith Shalom Beth Israel Sisterhood, Charleston, SC
“Mesmerizing! That is how I would put Arthur Kurzweil’s impact on my congregation. From his very first introductory lecture to his final session where he performed a theological magical show, Mr. Kurzweil had the audience rapt attention. What makes Kurzweil’s presence even more valuable, is that while you may think you are being entertained, what you really are doing is coming to grips with the wealth and beauty of Jewish tradition.”
- Rabbi Marvin Richardson, Jericho Jewish Center
Mr. Kurzweil was an absolute delight. I am a professional magician and have been professionally trained, yet what Arthur did with us was something rarely seen. He was “edge-of-your-seat” interesting. He was witty. He was endearing. He had a roomful ofmagicians so caught up in his stories and his personal revelations, that even we were fooled by his magic.”
- Ray Pollard (Myster Ray) President, International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 317
“Using his magician’s skills like a golden key, Arthur Kurzweil unlocked the treasure chest of Torah teachings before a captive audience. A thoroughly unique, entertaining, and highly informative presentation. Kudos to Mr. Kurzweil for his creativity, charm and chochma.”
- Zipora Reitman, Hillel Advisor, SUNY Rockland
“Arthur Kurzweil’s presentation of Searching for God in a Magic Shop was nothing short of outstanding. Mr. Kurzweil kept our Adult Education audience riveted by his tricks, sprinkled with fascinating stories from the Talmud and Midrash.”
- Rabbi Maurice Simckes Temple Israel of South Merrick, Long Island, NY
“Arthur Kurzweil spoke at our Synagogue, and he was a tremendous hit! Who ever thought that there could be a “Jewish Magic Show”? And who ever figured that something so entertaining could be so profound, and meaningful? Arthur is a wonderful performer, and more importantly, a great teacher. Our congregants greatly enjoyed his presentation and are talking about it long after he left us; his messages will stay with us.”
- Rabbi Michael Katz, Temple Beth Torah, Westbury, NY
Book a Magical Learning Experience
Bring Searching for God in a Magic Shop to your synagogue or community event. I create performances that entertain, educate, and inspire, leaving audiences amazed and thoughtful. Contact me today to schedule a show that transforms learning into an unforgettable magical experience.