The other night we happened to catch that classic Seinfeld episode where Seinfeld's dentist converts to Judaism and Jerry gets all up in arms about it. What's so funny about Jerry's miff is that he's not upset that the guy isn't taking the religion seriously; no, he thinks his dentist converted so that he will have the ability to tell Jewish jokes.
Changing religions is a big to do, especially in the Jewish faith. There are tests, written and emotionally, Rabbis are known to actively dissuade a convert wannabe. There's studying of books and being drilled in Jewish court, but it's worth it in the end -- because then you have the right to eight nights of presents!
That's right, Hannukah is upon us and unlike that other December holiday, (which will go unnamed) Hannukah isn't a one-day present affair. The presents go on for over a week. Sure, you might get a night of socks or Hanes T-shirts, but who cares, tomorrow will bring some other wonderful (practical) gift.
In Hollywood changing religion is as common as changing Gucci bags, you can just buy a new one. But you can't buy into Judaism, so why do so many make the switch? Obviously, the majority believe in the religion, but is it possible that some are making the switch for the presents? Either way, there are a lot of Jewish converts out there in La La Land, and we've found our top ten.
Art Attack's top ten celebrity Jewish converts:
10: Tom Arnold
Apparently, Tom converted because of his marriage to Roseanne Bar, or maybe because of the Matzoh ball soup.
9. Connie Chung
Connie Chung has been a journalist for over three decades; she got her start back with Walter Cronkite. Chung is a converted Jew because of her marriage to fellow journalist Maury Povich. She is also Chinese, which could be really nice when ordering Chinese food take out on Christmas.
8. Elizabeth Banks
Banks is married to a sportswriter named Max Handelman and converted before marrying him. He wrote a book about Fantasy Football. His name is Max Handelman. She must really love him.
7. Kate Capshaw
If you didn't know it, Kate Capshaw is also known as Mrs. Steven Spielberg. If Steven Spielberg wants you to convert to Judaism, you do it.
