David Bowie Created the Ultimate Jewish Persona (Without Being Jewish)

Though he was not ‘half Jewish’ as he once claimed, the chameleonic Bowie was a Zelig-like figure, who repeatedly shifted identities on stage and on screen.

Jan 12, 2016 5:10 AM

David Bowie, who died Sunday after an 18-month battle with cancer, had a complex relationship with Judaism.

Comments

Sign in to join the conversation.

Sort comments by

1

ICYMI

In this photo released by official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani addresses the nation in a televised speech in Tehran, Iran, Aug. 6, 2018.

Iran's ‘Insurance Policy’ Against an Israeli, U.S. Strike

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the U.K. opposition Labour Party, listens to a speech at the party's annual conference in Brighton, U.K., on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015.

Why Corbynism Is a Threat to Jews Throughout the Western World

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset. July 2018

The Israel You Know Just Ended. You Can Thank Netanyahu

Netanyahu speaking before the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem, October 21, 2015. - credit: AFP

Netanyahu: Hitler Didn't Want to Exterminate the Jews

UAE navy soldier patrols at Al-Mokha port in Yemen, March 6, 2018. Picture taken March 6, 2018

Why Saudi Arabia and ‘Little Sparta’ Still Can’t Defeat Iran in Yemen

Moriel Rothman-Zecher.

Israeli Questioned at Ben-Gurion Airport Over Leftist Activity

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaking during Friday prayers in Tehran.

Does Iran Really Want to Nuke Israel?

A page from a textbook in Syria.

What Syrian Children Learn: Anti-Semitism, Love of Russia and Suspicion of Iran

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, background and US President of the United States Donald Trump walk from the Quadrangle after inspecting the Guard of Honour, during the president's visit to Windsor Castle, Friday, July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England

Trump Shocks the U.K. by 'Cutting Off' Queen Elizabeth

File photo: A Qatari woman walks in front of the city skyline in Doha, Qatar.

After Russian Fun, 2022 World Cup in Qatar Will Be a Party-free Zone

Syrian soldiers riding in the back of a pickup truck at the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. southern province of Daraa, July 7, 2018.

Next Stop for Assad: The Golan Heights

Damage from a mortar that exploded in Nahal Oz over the weekend

A D.C. Reporter's Weekend Under Hamas Rocket Fire

Jerusalem's Old City and the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site

Belgian Model Poses Nude in Front of Western Wall

A group of protesters chant slogans at the main gate of old grand bazaar in Tehran, Iran, June 25, 2018.

The Iranian Regime Is in Trouble

Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, greeting Syrians following the prayers of the first day of Eid al-Fitr, in Tartous, Syria, June 15, 2018.

Syria’s Assad Has Become Israel’s Ally

Donald Trump.

Trump's Memorial Day Message Slammed as 'Grossest, Most Inappropriate' in History

Teenage Philip walking behind the swastika-draped coffins of his sister and her husband.

The Royals' History With Nazi Germany

File photo: Gonen Segev in 2005.

Enlisting Former Israeli Minister a Victory for Iranian Intel

U.S. President Donald Trump exiting Air Force One after arriving in Singapore for the summit with Kim Jong Un, June 10, 2018.

Successful Trump-Kim Summit Could Be Prelude to War With Iran

Depiction of god and his wife? Found at Kuntillet Ajrud

A Strange Drawing Found in Sinai Could Undermine Our Entire Idea of Judaism