The Spiritual Journey of Sammy Davis Jr.: Embracing Judaism

Early Life and Conversion

Born in 1925, Sammy Davis Jr. grew up in a predominantly African American neighborhood where he faced racial prejudices from an early age. His conversion to Judaism was influenced by a near-fatal car accident in 1954, which resulted in the loss of his left eye. During his recovery, Eddie Cantor, a Jewish entertainer, discussed the similarities between the Jewish and Black experiences of oppression, which resonated deeply with Davis. This conversation, coupled with the compassionate care from a Jewish nurse, led him to embrace Judaism, finding solace and strength in its teachings and community.

Challenges and Triumphs

Facing Prejudice

Davis's conversion was met with mixed reactions, and he often found himself at the intersection of racial and religious discrimination. One notable incident occurred when he was told to move to the back of a bus in the segregated South, despite identifying himself as Jewish, highlighting the overlapping prejudices of race and religion.

Professional Impact

His faith also impacted his professional life. During the filming of Porgy and Bess in 1959, Davis refused to work on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. This decision reportedly cost the production $30,000 for the day, but producer Sam Goldwyn ultimately respected his commitment, illustrating the tension between business interests and personal faith in Hollywood.

Cultural Recognition

Davis often used his platform to highlight his dual identity as an African American and a Jew, notably during his hosting of the 1971 Oscars. He humorously remarked that the ceremony honored "both my peoples" with nominations for Fiddler on the Roof, a story about Russian Jews, and Shaft, a film iconic in the blaxploitation genre.

A Moment of Doubt

Despite his strong faith, there were moments of doubt and fear. A memorable incident occurred during a performance in Las Vegas with Frank Sinatra, where a live lion on stage unnerved Davis. In a moment of sheer terror, he instinctively made the sign of the cross, a reflex that he humorously attributed to not having enough time to form the Star of David.

Legacy and Influence

Sammy Davis Jr.'s embrace of Judaism was not just a personal choice but a public declaration in a time of significant racial and religious tension in America. His life and career offer a unique lens through which to view the intersections of race, religion, and entertainment. Davis's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of identity and the personal courage required to navigate them.

Interesting Statistics

• According to a Pew Research Center study, as of 2020, 1% of African Americans identify as Jewish.
• The Anti-Defamation League reported a 12% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. from 2018 to 2019, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities.

Sammy Davis Jr.'s journey through Judaism not only shaped his personal identity but also influenced his professional life and public persona. His legacy continues to inspire discussions on racial and religious identity in America. For more on his film career, visit IMDb's Sammy Davis Jr. page, and for further reading on the history of Jewish entertainers in America, check out Jewish Virtual Library.