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Kathie Lee Gifford, Rabbi?

Jewish talk show host says she wants to get a rabbinical degree at Yeshiva U

by
Stephanie Butnick
August 20, 2013
Kathie Lee Gifford.(Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor)
Kathie Lee Gifford.(Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Lord & Taylor)

Friend-of-the-Scroll Miriam Krule brings this semi-viral video to our attention, in which Kathie Lee Gifford reveals an unusual aspiration on Today. Gifford and co-host Hoda Kotb were celebrating Gifford’s 60th birthday this week (balloons! cocktails!), when Gifford asked Kotb if she’d ever go back to school. Kotb said no, at which point Gifford shared a rather unexpected birthday wish.

“I want to go to Yeshiva University and become a rabbi,” Gifford said excitedly. “I want to get my Orthodox rabbinical degree”

“I want to understand what words mean and what all the context is,” she added. “I’m fascinated by that stuff.”

One thing’s for sure: Rabbi Kathie Lee’s congregation would have the best kiddush in New York City.

Stephanie Butnick is chief strategy officer of Tablet Magazine, co-founder of Tablet Studios, and a host of the Unorthodox podcast.