Answers to Quiz #2

Question #1
Who of the following artists was born Jewish, according to Halacha?

The following were born Jewish: Burt Bacharach, Herb Alpert, Neil Diamond, and Harry Chapin. And -  Paula Abdul! (Her father was a Syrian Jew.) Bruce Springsteen - even with a name like "Springsteen" - nope. (It's Springsteen, not Springstein!) Madonna, with all her Zohar studies - nope. Ringo Starr - even though his real name is Richard Starkey - nope. Paul McCartney, with all the rumors going around, may eventually convert to Judaism, but nope. Sammy Davis Jr - Jewish, but not by birth. Joan Baez - nope. And, most interestingly, Elvis WAS born Jewish, according to Halacha! His maternal grandmother was Jewish. (He often wore a "Star of David", necklace, but he did not practice Judaism at all.)

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Question #2

Who, of the famous folk trio "Peter, Paul and Mary," is/was Jewish?

Peter is a secular Jew. Paul is a spiritual seeker. Mary was a Southern Baptist.

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Question #3

Which Jewish singer/s sang at, or for, Israeli presidents' birthday parties?

Barbra Streisand sang at Shimon Peres' 90th birthday. Too easy, huh? Well, we couldn’t find any other times where Jewish singers sang for Israeli presidents’ birthdays, but we’re sure it has happened. If you know of any such cases – please let us know! ?

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Question #4

Who, of the following artists, converted to Judaism?

Artists who converted to Judaism: Helen Reddy, Jackie Wilson, Jim Croce, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Taylor and Daryl Hall. Art Garfunkel and Neil Sedaka were born Jewish, and Carly Simon's father was Jewish, but her mother was not, therefore she is not officially Jewish.

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Question #5

Which American rock bands had an Israeli member?

Yeah, this was a bit of a trick question. Three of the bands had an Israeli singer - but all three had THE SAME singer! Gene Simmons, formerly known as Chaim Witz, who was born and raised in Haifa, is best known as the lead singer of the rock band "Kiss". Before that, he was a member of "Bullfrog Bheer" and "Wicked Lester."

(If any of the other bands we mentioned had Israeli members – we don’t know about them!)

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Question #6

Which musical duo perform a tribute show to the Jewish Rockers of the 60s and 70s?

Yes! You guessed correctly! (Not that you had a choice ?) Here are the show details:

Rockin’ the Ages - Jewish Artists that Rocked the 60's & 70's
Warm acoustic renditions of well-loved songs by Jewish singers from the 60's and 70's, some known to be Jewish, but a few definite surprises! Between the songs, we integrate entertaining anecdotes about the singers and their Jewish connection.