Michelle Obama’s Cousin is Practicing Rabbi

Here’s something about Barack Obama you probably didn’t know: He’s related to a rabbi. Obama has defended his Christian faith on the campaign trail, though disavowing his former pastor. He has also addressed false Internet claims that he is Muslim. Now, another major religion enters the picture. His wife’s cousin, the Rabbi Capers C. Funnye Jr., leads a mostly black Jewish congregation on Chicago’s Southwest Side. He is Michelle Obama’s first cousin once removed: Her paternal grandfather is the brother of Funnye’s mother. While Obama has struggled to win over Jewish voters, vigorously defending his support of Israel in Florida and other states with large Jewish populations, he hasn’t mentioned Funnye on the campaign trail. Funnye says he hasn’t been involved in the campaign, except to donate money. But he speaks glowingly about the Obamas. “I’m very moved and very proud of all they’ve become so far,” the ... (link)