Irvin J. Borowsky
Encyclopedia
Irvin J. Borowsky is an American
publisher
and philanthropist
.
to the United States where Samuel Borowsky became a supplier of flour and related products for bakeries. At twelve years old, the young Borowsky answered an ad in Popular Mechanics
for a five dollar printing press. The press came with a package of type, ink and instructions. It changed his life. At the time of his father’s death, Borowsky was fourteen years old and was operating his own printing business which he named City Wide Press.
, Borowsky, now a master printer, founded Foster Manufacturing Company to provide custom storage equipment to printers and newspapers throughout the nation. He redesigned the ad makeup departments for the Washington Post, Boston Herald
, The Plain Dealer, Philadelphia Inquirer and many other newspapers farming out the construction of his specially designed steel equipment. In 1948, recognizing the power and potential of the television industry which was just emerging, he started a weekly TV magazine which in time became TV Guide
. With his Foster Manufacturing Company providing funds, he bought large presses to accommodate the magazine format and the first editions of the magazine were printed - a major event for this new TV field.
He moved his companies to a location that accommodated all three enterprises. City Wide Press, Foster Manufacturing, and TV Digest were now efficiently housed under one roof.
His innovations in the publishing and printing industries are legendary…creative and groundbreaking.
After selling his TV magazine to Walter Annenberg
in 1953, Borowsky founded the North American Publishing Company (NAPCO) which became a highly successful publisher of magazines nationwide. Beginning with Printing Impressions, now the leading publication for the printing and graphic arts industries, Borowsky expanded NAPCO by creating new magazines as well as purchasing and restructuring other publications.
His first acquisition was Audio
magazine. Within 18 months his stable of magazines included Sailing World, Target Marketing, Magazine and Book Seller, American School and University, American Import/Export Management, In Plant Reproductions, Custom House Guide, Package Printing, and more.
In 1975 Borowsky purchased CUE, the beloved magazine of New York events and entertainment. Calling him a “rebuilder of magazines” Business Week further made note of the fact that Borowsky spent “a fortune” to get CUE in shape. Borowsky moved CUE magazine to new spaces at 55th Street
and Madison Avenue
and North American Publishing Company became a significant presence in New York City. By this time, NAPCO was producing 24 different magazines each month.
By 1980, he sold several of his magazines: CUE to Rupert Murdoch
, Sailing World to the New York Times, and Audio to CBS
. His son, Ned, was appointed president of NAPCO and Borowsky announced that he would concentrate his time and resources on philanthropy and social issues.
and, on later occasions, for meetings with that nation’s leadership.
In 1992, he organized and led 700 Evangelical Christians on a tour that explored cherished early Christian shrines as well as contemporary economic and political issues with leaders from the sciences, technologies, agronomics and education.
In 1982, Borowsky founded the American Interfaith Institute to join Jews and Christians in common cause; to remove anti-Semitic language and incorrect translations of specific passages of the New Testament, thus building understanding, acceptance and relationships among Christians and Jews. Working closely with the scholars and translators of the American Bible Society
, Borowsky was able to see the fulfillment of a key goal of the Institute when the American Bible Society published the Contemporary English Version (CEV), the first New Testament that does not hold Jews responsible for the crucifixion. Under the aegis of Borowsky, the American Interfaith Institute has developed a distinguished Scholars’ Board http://www.americaninterfaith.org/scholars.htm who guide the work and outreach of the organization within a framework of symposia, research, publishing and distribution of teaching materials for professors of religion . To date, Borowsky has written, edited and published 18 books relating to the mission and work of the Institute. Now in its 26th year, the American Interfaith Institute continues its initiative with vigor and commitment.
As a member of both the American Academy of Religion
and the Society of Biblical Literature
, Borowsky has lectured worldwide on issues of diversity, faith and cooperation.
In 2000, Borowsky founded the National Liberty Museum which has welcomed over 500,000 visitors from throughout the world. They come to participate in the museum’s unique programs and exhibitions that address freedom, peace and conflict resolution; to celebrate the diverse heritage and tradition that gives the nation strength and purpose. The Teacher Training Programs and the Education Center of the museum have received plaudits from throughout the educational community and is approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Departments of Education. The contemporary art that is incorporated into every exhibit symbolizes the “art of liberty” and has been noted as one of the most original and effective teaching models in the nation.
Borowsky’s philanthropic outreach reflects his personal interest in art, education and social services. His Board affiliations include the Salvation Army
, the University of the Arts
(as Vice Chairman), the Jewish Community Center
s and more. He is the major funder of the National Liberty Museum and serves as Chairman of that institution, which he founded. His contributions connect him to libraries, schools and the arts. He is the recipient of numerous awards including those from the Salvation Army
, University of the Arts (Philadelphia)
, Printing Industries of America, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
, Foreign Policy Research Institute
, United Way, city of Philadelphia, Alliance of Contemporary Glass Art, Federation of Charities, and Boys Town of Jerusalem.
Their significant art collection, which focuses on the paintings of Marc Chagall
,
bronzes by renowned 20th century artists and masters of studio glass art is highly respected worldwide.
He married his second wife, Laurie Wagman in 1979. Including his wife’s daughters from her first marriage, they have 6 married children and 13 grandchildren.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
publisher
Publishing
Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of literature or information—the activity of making information available to the general public...
and philanthropist
Philanthropy
Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...
.
Early life
Irvin J. Borowsky was born in 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of the nine children of Emma and Samuel Borowsky. His parents had emigrated from PolandPoland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
to the United States where Samuel Borowsky became a supplier of flour and related products for bakeries. At twelve years old, the young Borowsky answered an ad in Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics is an American magazine first published January 11, 1902 by H. H. Windsor, and has been owned since 1958 by the Hearst Corporation...
for a five dollar printing press. The press came with a package of type, ink and instructions. It changed his life. At the time of his father’s death, Borowsky was fourteen years old and was operating his own printing business which he named City Wide Press.
Business life
At the end of World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Borowsky, now a master printer, founded Foster Manufacturing Company to provide custom storage equipment to printers and newspapers throughout the nation. He redesigned the ad makeup departments for the Washington Post, Boston Herald
Boston Herald
The Boston Herald is a daily newspaper that serves Boston, Massachusetts, United States, and its surrounding area. It was started in 1846 and is one of the oldest daily newspapers in the United States...
, The Plain Dealer, Philadelphia Inquirer and many other newspapers farming out the construction of his specially designed steel equipment. In 1948, recognizing the power and potential of the television industry which was just emerging, he started a weekly TV magazine which in time became TV Guide
TV Guide
TV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles...
. With his Foster Manufacturing Company providing funds, he bought large presses to accommodate the magazine format and the first editions of the magazine were printed - a major event for this new TV field.
He moved his companies to a location that accommodated all three enterprises. City Wide Press, Foster Manufacturing, and TV Digest were now efficiently housed under one roof.
His innovations in the publishing and printing industries are legendary…creative and groundbreaking.
- Borowsky was the first to present movies on television - a shocking concept at the time
- He was the first to introduce the marketing of magazines at checkout counters in supermarkets – an all new, innovative approach to the public
- His redesign of numerous newspaper composition departments produced major efficiencies which were adopted by newspapers worldwide
After selling his TV magazine to Walter Annenberg
Walter Annenberg
Walter Hubert Annenberg was an American publisher, philanthropist, and diplomat.-Early life:Walter Annenberg was born to a Jewish family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 13, 1908. He was the son of Sarah and Moses "Moe" Annenberg, who published The Daily Racing Form and purchased The Philadelphia...
in 1953, Borowsky founded the North American Publishing Company (NAPCO) which became a highly successful publisher of magazines nationwide. Beginning with Printing Impressions, now the leading publication for the printing and graphic arts industries, Borowsky expanded NAPCO by creating new magazines as well as purchasing and restructuring other publications.
His first acquisition was Audio
Audio (magazine)
Audio magazine was a periodical published from 1947 to 2000, and was America's longest-running audio magazine. Audio published reviews of audio products and audio technology as well as informational articles on topics such as acoustics, psychoacoustics and the art of listening...
magazine. Within 18 months his stable of magazines included Sailing World, Target Marketing, Magazine and Book Seller, American School and University, American Import/Export Management, In Plant Reproductions, Custom House Guide, Package Printing, and more.
In 1975 Borowsky purchased CUE, the beloved magazine of New York events and entertainment. Calling him a “rebuilder of magazines” Business Week further made note of the fact that Borowsky spent “a fortune” to get CUE in shape. Borowsky moved CUE magazine to new spaces at 55th Street
55th Street (Manhattan)
55th Street is a two-mile-long, one-way street traveling east to west across Midtown Manhattan.-Sutton Place South:*The route officially begins at Sutton Place South which is on a hill overlooking FDR Drive....
and Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue (Manhattan)
Madison Avenue is a north-south avenue in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, United States, that carries northbound one-way traffic. It runs from Madison Square to the Madison Avenue Bridge at 138th Street. In doing so, it passes through Midtown, the Upper East Side , Spanish Harlem, and...
and North American Publishing Company became a significant presence in New York City. By this time, NAPCO was producing 24 different magazines each month.
By 1980, he sold several of his magazines: CUE to Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch
Keith Rupert Murdoch, AC, KSG is an Australian-American business magnate. He is the founder and Chairman and CEO of , the world's second-largest media conglomerate....
, Sailing World to the New York Times, and Audio to CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
. His son, Ned, was appointed president of NAPCO and Borowsky announced that he would concentrate his time and resources on philanthropy and social issues.
Philanthropy and later life
In addition to his publishing activities, Borowsky has always been immersed in philanthropy plus community services and support. For several years he served as President of the Jewish Exponent, the newspaper that has connected and served the Philadelphia Jewish community for over 100 years. For the Federation of Jewish Charities, he became chairman of the printing and publishing divisions. Borowsky made many visits to Israel, notably during the Yom Kippur WarYom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or October War , also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria...
and, on later occasions, for meetings with that nation’s leadership.
In 1992, he organized and led 700 Evangelical Christians on a tour that explored cherished early Christian shrines as well as contemporary economic and political issues with leaders from the sciences, technologies, agronomics and education.
In 1982, Borowsky founded the American Interfaith Institute to join Jews and Christians in common cause; to remove anti-Semitic language and incorrect translations of specific passages of the New Testament, thus building understanding, acceptance and relationships among Christians and Jews. Working closely with the scholars and translators of the American Bible Society
American Bible Society
The American Bible Society is an interconfessional, non-denominational, nonprofit organization, founded in 1816 in New York City, which publishes, distributes and translates the Bible and provides study aids and other tools to help people engage with the Bible.It is probably best known for its...
, Borowsky was able to see the fulfillment of a key goal of the Institute when the American Bible Society published the Contemporary English Version (CEV), the first New Testament that does not hold Jews responsible for the crucifixion. Under the aegis of Borowsky, the American Interfaith Institute has developed a distinguished Scholars’ Board http://www.americaninterfaith.org/scholars.htm who guide the work and outreach of the organization within a framework of symposia, research, publishing and distribution of teaching materials for professors of religion . To date, Borowsky has written, edited and published 18 books relating to the mission and work of the Institute. Now in its 26th year, the American Interfaith Institute continues its initiative with vigor and commitment.
As a member of both the American Academy of Religion
American Academy of Religion
The American Academy of Religion is the world's largest association of scholars in the field of religious studies and related topics. It is a nonprofit member association,...
and the Society of Biblical Literature
Society of Biblical Literature
The Society of Biblical Literature, founded 1880, is a constituent society of the American Council of Learned Societies , with the stated mission to "Foster Biblical Scholarship"...
, Borowsky has lectured worldwide on issues of diversity, faith and cooperation.
In 2000, Borowsky founded the National Liberty Museum which has welcomed over 500,000 visitors from throughout the world. They come to participate in the museum’s unique programs and exhibitions that address freedom, peace and conflict resolution; to celebrate the diverse heritage and tradition that gives the nation strength and purpose. The Teacher Training Programs and the Education Center of the museum have received plaudits from throughout the educational community and is approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Departments of Education. The contemporary art that is incorporated into every exhibit symbolizes the “art of liberty” and has been noted as one of the most original and effective teaching models in the nation.
Borowsky’s philanthropic outreach reflects his personal interest in art, education and social services. His Board affiliations include the Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
, the University of the Arts
University of the Arts (Philadelphia)
The University of the Arts is one of the United States' oldest universities dedicated to the arts. Its campus makes up part of the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia...
(as Vice Chairman), the Jewish Community Center
Jewish Community Center
A Jewish Community Center or Jewish Community Centre is a general recreational, social and fraternal organization serving the Jewish community in a number of cities...
s and more. He is the major funder of the National Liberty Museum and serves as Chairman of that institution, which he founded. His contributions connect him to libraries, schools and the arts. He is the recipient of numerous awards including those from the Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
, University of the Arts (Philadelphia)
University of the Arts (Philadelphia)
The University of the Arts is one of the United States' oldest universities dedicated to the arts. Its campus makes up part of the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia...
, Printing Industries of America, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is a university in Beersheba, Israel, established in 1969. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has a current enrollment of 17,400 students, and is one of Israel's fastest growing universities....
, Foreign Policy Research Institute
Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Foreign Policy Research Institute is an American neoconservative think tank based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is "devoted to bringing the insights of scholarship to bear on the development of policies that advance U.S...
, United Way, city of Philadelphia, Alliance of Contemporary Glass Art, Federation of Charities, and Boys Town of Jerusalem.
Personal life
Borowsky and his wife have visited 61 countries to meet with theologians from diverse religions and to acquire key contemporary art.Their significant art collection, which focuses on the paintings of Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall Art critic Robert Hughes referred to Chagall as "the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century."According to art historian Michael J...
,
bronzes by renowned 20th century artists and masters of studio glass art is highly respected worldwide.
He married his second wife, Laurie Wagman in 1979. Including his wife’s daughters from her first marriage, they have 6 married children and 13 grandchildren.