Rumor Mill: Is Paul McCartney Converting to Judaism?

According to the National Enquirer (roll your eyes all you want, but they were totally right about John Edwards), Paul McCartney has told friends that he is planning to convert to Judaism at the behest of his new bride, Nancy Shevell. Nancy is a New York socialite and the cousin of Barbara Walters, and unlike previous wife Heather Mills she has the approval of McCartney’s children – daughter Stella designed Nancy’s wedding dress.

While I looooove the idea of having a Jewish Beatle, here are two reasons I think this may not happen:

1. Paul’s first wife, Linda Eastman McCartney, was also Jewish. If he didn’t convert for her, why convert for Nancy? Linda wasn’t particularly religious while Nancy is more observant, so that could have something to do with it. If they’re planning to have kids (Nancy doesn’t have any children, while Paul’s a dad to five), that could explain the desire to convert, but I’m still not buying the urgency.
2. If Paul were going to convert, it probably should have happened before the wedding. He and Nancy wed on October 1o in a civil ceremony. It’s possible that she required him to be at a certain point in his studies before going through with the wedding, but it seems dubious.

That said, I’d love to have a Jewish Beatle, if only technically. Think of the cheesy remade versions of Beatles songs to incorporate references to kugel and Hanukkah!