JustASC

My friend and colleague Rabbi Joyce Newmark rocked on “Jeopardy!” last night, coming in first and taking home $29,200.

The episode was taped on Feb. 2. Sworn to secrecy, Newmark sat with an enigmatic smile as dozens of her fellow congregants at Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck (including me) gathered there to watch Monday’s broadcast. As Newmark outpaced the other contestants, including two-time winner Joe McKee of Palos Heights, Ill., the room exploded in cheers.

JTA has details:

Newmark was set to return Tuesday night to defend her “Jeopardy!” title.

At her audition, she was asked to fill out a form informing the producers if there were specific dates when she would not be available to tape. She wrote “Jewish holidays.”

Upon receiving the congratulatory call from the show about her selection, Newmark expressed surprise, explaining that she had never expected to be picked.

“We actually were going to call you two months ago,” the show official told Newmark, “but it was during Chanukah, so we figured you couldn’t come.”