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Who is the first Jewish Kennedy? Meet Jack Schlossberg, political correspondent and ‘himbo’ scion
Jack Schlossberg is JFK’s only grandchild, and could one day be the first Jewish president – but how Jewish is he?
July 18, 2024 14:17
Jack Schlossberg is JFK’s only grandchild, and could one day be the first Jewish president – but how Jewish is he?
July 18, 2024 14:17The Kennedy family are famously not Jewish. The all-American family is of Irish Catholic descent, and one of the country’s most successful political dynasties, including former president John F Kennedy, Senator Robert F Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, and – although less successful – independent presidential candidate RFK Jr.
Jack Schlossberg, then, is the first Jewish Kennedy. Born in New York to a Jewish father and a very Kennedy mother (Caroline, the only surviving child of JFK), the only grandson of President John F Kennedy has recently been made a political correspondent at Vogue. According to some pundits, and some wishful thinkers, Schlossberg could one day be the first Jewish President.
But how Jewish is the first Jewish Kennedy? Schlossberg’s father, Edwin, was raised by an Orthodox Jewish family in New York. Both his parents – Alfred Schlossberg and Mae Hirsch – were Jewish, and children of Ukranian immigrants. Alfred was president of the Park East Synagogue, where Edwin was bar mitzvah.
Jack Schlossberg, though, was primarily raised and educated Catholic, in his mother’s tradition. He has posted online about his support for Pope Francis and what he gave up for Lent.
Still, according to Hey Alma, Schlossberg values his Jewish roots. Although he says he “technically” isn’t Jewish, since Caroline Kennedy is Catholic, he told Hey Alma he identifies as culturally Jewish. “I feel I’m at least 100% half Jewish,” he said.
Although now a political correspondent, Jack Schlossberg shot to fame not for his sharp political instincts, but for his quirky social media presence. He describes his videos as “authentic,” something he feels the space is lacking. From reciting Byron’s She Walks in Beauty on a skateboard, to singing the Beatles’ A Ticket to Ride, Schlossberg gained a niche internet presence from his viral videos.
The Kennedy scion leveraged his social media platform to share political news and opinion. Speaking to Vogue, Schlossberg said “I think deeply and critically about what I want to say”. “The election year is so important to me,” he continued, “and that’s why I’ve been trying to be out there more”.
Schlossberg’s posts, especially on TikTok, have gained national attention, especially when it comes to criticising his uncle, independent presidential candidate RFK Jr. Schlossberg posted a series of videos mocking the independent politician, calling him a “prick” who was “lying to us”.
Jack Schlossberg is Vogue's political correspondent. The new role will see him combine his background in law and business with the self-described “silly goose” tendencies he displays online. Here, see how John F. Kennedy’s only grandson, is taking over: https://t.co/svR6qFyfq4 pic.twitter.com/61WK0s3Zzx
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) July 10, 2024
RFK Jr, an environmental lawyer turned conspiracy theorist, is the chairman and founder of Children’s Health Defense, and anti-vaccine advocacy group. His often false public health claims have often targeted Joe Biden – who Schlossberg has advocated for. RFK is running against Biden this year as an independent candidate.
Since joining Vogue, Schlossberg is yet to publish an article. He has, however, made posts on TikTok and Instagram, breaking down the first political debate and explaining Supreme Court rulings. Schlossberg isn’t unqualified for this job, having graduated from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School.
Of course, Schlossberg isn’t exactly self-made, but the Kennedy legacy hasn’t shied away from discussing his famous family. “My grandfather, President Kennedy, is my hero,” he told Vogue. “The first thing I ever got really nerdy about was him, his speeches, and his administration”.
Schlossberg has also praised his “uncle Teddy” (Senator Edward Kennedy), and his mother Caroline, who is the current US Ambassador to Austrailia. “I am inspired by my family’s legacy of public service,” he told Vogue. “I take that very seriously, and I want to contribute in my own way”.
In a grave moment for American politics, Schlossberg is trying to “bring some positivity and good energy to the things [he thinks] are important”. The legacy told Vogue he has “big dreams,” so who knows? Schlossberg’s grandfather was the first Catholic president – maybe he really could be the first Jewish president.