Interview with Michael Herman, actor, magician, toy maker and founder of Heroic Productions, a Jewish toy company in Lincolnwood, Il.
Q: Why did you create the Judah Maccabee doll?
A: I realized that Judaica stores don't carry toys as exciting as the toys at stores like Toys R Us or FAO Schwartz. So when people buy Chanukah gifts for kids they usually head to the toy store and get stuff that has nothing to do with the holiday. It's a shame. Why not relate Chanukah gifts to the holiday? Besides the typical dreidel, menorah or knicknack, there's nothing out there to excite them about the holiday. But it's not just Chanukah that's neglected. There are no toys celebrating any Jewish heroes. I decided to launch a toy company and I started with Judah Maccabee, the Chanukah superstar. Parents can feel good because it relates to the holiday and makes Jewish history come alive for children. The doll sells for about $29.95 and has been very well received.
Q: How did you figure out how Judah Maccabee should look?
A: It is hard, because nobody knows what he really looked like. We have no portraits or descriptions. But we have an idea of what they wore at that time. Jewish warriors dressed very differently than the Greko-Syrians who had fancy armor and high tech weapons. The Jews dressed simply, probably in tunics and leather sandals. I visited fabric stores to determine the color and texture of his outfit. I chose blue because I wanted something attractive and striking and it's a Jewish color. I chose purple for the kippah and sash since it's the color of royalty. I made the shield the shape they used at that time. I embellished it with a lion, being the symbol of the tribe of Judah. But I didn't want a fierce looking lion. I spent a lot of time sketching to make it appear friendly. Since Jews wore beards, I wanted the doll to have one too. As for his body, I imagine he wasn't a scrawny guy because he was a warrior but on the other hand, he didn't have the bulging muscles of Arnold Schwartzenegger because Jews don't value body building like the Greco-Syrians. I made him tall because a hero like Judah Maccabee is big in every way. The 18 inch size worked perfectly. I wanted a toy that would set a kid's heart racing.
Q: What are your ideas for next Chanukah?
A: We are in the process of creating an action figure set for Chanukah and other holidays. Also in the works are Queen Esther and Mordechai figures and I'm researching Jewish history for other heroes who would make good toys.
Q: What's your long term goal for Heroic Productions?
A: I want our toys to be as exciting as the mainstream toys out there. Our toys should compete with non-Jewish toys and even be sold in Toys R Us and FAO Schwartz. But I want toys with value and meaning. I put the Judah Maccabee doll in a setting that tells kids who he was and what he did. That's why Judah Maccabee comes in the ancient stone box that tells the story of Chanukah on the back. The doll is fun and cool looking but is also a learning experience.
Q: Growing up, did you ever dream you would be doing this with your life?
A: My parents never pressured me into a specific profession. As a kid, I loved drawing, sketching and painting. In high school and college, I performed in several plays but realized it would be difficult to remain shomer Shabbat in an acting career. I majored in communications and theater and have performed educational magic in schools. Later, I got into toys.
Q: What are you hoping this toy will do for kids?
A: Jewish history comes alive in 3-D. A kid gets to know Judah Maccabee, and will better appreciate our freedom today to live as Jews.
Q: What's the response so far?
A: Everyone who's seen it is excited. It's in Judaica and gift shops across the country and I'm selling it on my website. There are already re-orders from stores who just got their first shipment. One Temple shopkeeper said that the non-Jewish custodian wanted one for his 8-year-old! People in Jewish education tell me it's the coolest Jewish toy they've ever seen.
Purchase it online at www.heroicproductions.com
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