Matisyahu Stars in Kenneth Cole Ad

Kenneth Cole is know for his unconventional (and sometimes scandalous) ads. Always one to surprise us, this time he features "Hasidic Reggae Superstar" Matisyahu in his latest campaign.

Mazel Tov Madonna!

Mazel Tov to our favorite Jewanabee Madonna, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Listen as the Material Girl waxes poetic about writing her first song in an abandoned synagogue (4:45) and quotes from the Talmud (6:20) during her speech.

Taking the "J" out of Jdate

Remember when Jdate was a dating site for Jews? Well times have changed! Word has it that 25% of those on Jdate are not even Jewish, including singer Jesse McCartney. McCartney told In Touch that he joined Jdate when a Jewish friend's sister met her boyfriend on the site.(got that?)

Well, we're sure there are a lot of girls who would like to bring Jesse Metcalf home to their Jewish mothers. Interested in dating a heartthrob? Look up profile jbagel07.

Jews Who Rock

Mazel Tov to Amy Winehouse, who won five Grammy Awards last night including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year! Like a good Jewish girl, she had her mamaleh up on stage with her as she accepted her award. Now let's hope she quits the mishegas and sticks to rehab.

The ban has been lifted!

43 years after being banned from Israel, the Beatles' remaining members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have been invited back to The Holy Landl! The year was 1965 and the Fab 5 were set to play a gig in the Holy Land when government officials refused to let them play out of fear that they would corrupt Israeli youth. (Wonder what they would have thought about Britney Spears and Amy Whinehouse back then!)

The Israeli ambassador to London, Ron Prosor, has reportedly sent letters to the remaining Beatles and their widows saying "We should like to take this opportunity to correct the historic omission which to our great regret occurred in 1965, when you were invited to Israel"... "We should like to see you sing in Israel."

Well, better late than never. Read more here.

Celebrity Sighting!

It's always exciting to spot celebrities in products from Pop Judaica! We almost plotzed when Zach Braff showed up on an episode of Scrubs wearing the Kosher Beef T-shirt. He're little Sadie Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler wearing the Tush pants a few weeks ago at a fundraiser in LA.

Did you know that Adam's dog is named Matzoball? Yep, and Adam's other dog Meatball even wore a dog yarmulke to Adam's wedding.

Being that Chanukah is just around the corner, and we're on the subject of Adam Sandler it seems apropos to link to one of the all time greatest songs EVER.

Hip Hop Hurt

Israeli hip hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari was involved a serious car accident with a UPS truck in New Jersey yesterday.
According to a rep of the Grammy award-winning artist, she was rushed to a local hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries and was later released. Get well soon Miri!

If you haven't heard her music - it rocks! Miri was discovered by Wyclef Jean and has collaborated with artists like Kanye West and Alicia Keys. She released her debut album, The Hip-Hop Violinist in 2005. See her perform here.