1.  Raisman Makes Olympic Audiences Kvell

American Jews have a new reason to be proud of their country at this year’s 2012 Summer Olympics. Jewish gymnast Aly Raisman first wowed spectators when she earned one of the two spots in the all-around individual finals for the US. Then, she wowed Jews worldwide when she performed a floor exercise routine to the tune of “Hava Nagila,” a Hebrew folk song that has become a staple at Jewish weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

Raisman, who is just 18-years-old, is not the only gymnast to utilize the catchy tune. It has been a favorite over the years and is a proven crowd-pleaser with gymnastics fans. Still, we loved seeing Jewish ears perk up when they heard the Hebrew standard playing. Now, we’re just hoping that Raisman will be the first Jewish gymnast from the US team to ride the “Hava Nagila” train to Olympic gold!

 

2.  SJP Sings for Sheer “Glee” of It!

Sarah Jessica Parker will be playing a journalist on the hit FOX show, Glee. The show’s co-creator and executive producer, Ian Brennan, told AccessHollywood.com that SJP, whose father was Jewish, “is going to be running Vogue.com” as a guest star on the show.

Playing a character that runs Vogue.com is the perfect role for SJP who already has a longstanding association with Vogue magazine thanks to her famed Carrie Bradshaw character in Sex and The City. No word yet on whether or not she’ll actually be singing in the role.

 

3.  Jon Stewart Remains a Night Owl

Eager to keep its popular late-night block intact, Comedy Central has negotiated a contract extension with one of its star comedians, Jon Stewart. The Jewish comedian’s new deal will keep him on the network and at the helm of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart at least through the middle of 2015. His previous agreement would have expired next summer.

The show has become a bright light in late-night ratings. Comedy Central said The Daily Show now delivers more viewers age 18 to 49 (1.4 million) than any other late-night talk show on television. All the more reason for Stewart to keep his late night hours!