Why Did Sammy Davis Jr. Become Jewish?

Jewish History Nerds is a finalist for a Signal Award in the history category. If you enjoy this show, please comment wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back soon with a brand new season of episodes.

Sammy Davis Jr. was already one of America's biggest entertainers when he made a choice few expected. He converted to Judaism. His journey began with a car crash that nearly killed him and grew through years of study, faith, and a powerful connection between Black and Jewish history. From the Rat Pack and the civil rights movement to JFK, Nixon, and Israel, Schwab and Yael explore Sammy Davis Jr.'s story in part 2 of a series of Jews in Hollywood, and what it reveals about the search for belonging in America.

Check out Part 1 in this series, Al Jolson and the Jazz Singer: The Jewish Story Behind Hollywood's First Talkie

Go back and watch or listen to the first episode in the America's Series The First Jews in the Americas: Fleeing the Inquisition, It's the episode submitted to the Signal Awards for consideration.

Sammy Davis Jr. recorded his hit song I've Gotta Be Me in 1968 for Reprise Records. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYndNL4Mu8

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