People are wondering, was the longtime host of Jeopardy! Jewish? The popular gameshow sure had a lot of popular Jewish moments, but what about its host?
No, Trebek is not Jewish. He was raised Catholic growing up in Canada and in 2018 he said that he believed in a Christian god.
However, Jeopardy! has had its fair share of Jewish moments (the answer appeared hundreds of times throughout the show’s history), including its new interim host Mayim Bialik, who identifies as Modern Orthodox.
Here are some of our favorite Alex Trebek Jeopardy! Jewish moments.
What is a schmuck?
In fact they had an entire Yiddish category featuring answers such as:
- schlock
- schlemiel and schlemazel
- schlep
- nosh/noshing
- gelt
Where is the Dead Sea?
Producer Note: Traveling with Alex was like having your own private guide. But for all of his academic knowledge, Alex acted like anyone would when it came to floating on his back and reading a newspaper in the Dead Sea. pic.twitter.com/O5gPLnw81J
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) December 29, 2020
Filming for a future episode, producers shared this clip of Trebek floating in the Dead Sea.
Charoset, what must it taste like?
Fun fact, the Jewish community in Gibraltar make their charoset with powder made from a family brick.
What is B’nai B’rith?
What is the Mount of Olives?
Rabbi celebrates ordination anniversary
Conservative Rabbi Joyce Newmark, from Teaneck, New Jersey, won $29,200 on the show.
And finally… Mayim Bialik picking up the reins
Bonus clip: Drake on “Black Jeopardy!”
Read more about Drake’s Jewish identity here.
Originally Published Aug 24, 2021 12:50PM EDT