"Out of pure coincidence, many of our families have come from a Christian background. We are eager to branch out and diversify the spectrum," associate producer Michelle Silva says in an e-mail that came our way. "There are many stereotypes of a Jewish mother, but the word 'LOVING' seems to always come up. For this very reason, we want to find a loving, caring, fun and vibrant Jewish mother!"

So, if you're part of a two-parent family, with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 18, here's your chance to make $20,000.

Silva's available at michelle.silva@wifeswapcasting.com ‹ and if you're selected for the show (or even make it to the finals), be sure to let us know.

What's with these Jewish boys?

The alleged pimp at the center of the prostitution scandal engulfing Elliott Spitzer, the governor of New York, is an Israeli. Mark Brener allegedly was the ringleader running the Emperors VIP Club ‹ and was the only one of the four arrested to be denied bail. The judge cited $600,000 in cash and the Israeli passport found in his home as proof of his flight risk.

Spitzer has been identified as "Client 9" in the case.

Portman goes vegan

Natalie Portman became a vegetarian because of her mom's deception. When she brought lunch to her Jewish day school, "my mom would make me lie and say I had tuna when really it was nonkosher chicken salad," the actress tells Marie Claire magazine. "I hated that, so I said, 'I'm a vegetarian.' It was my out."

Now, Portman's gone vegan. But, we don't think that decision was because of any cover-up. This time, it was actor Tobey Macguire's influence.

She says she was spending time with Maguire, best known for his Spider-Man roles, during rehearsals for the upcoming movie, Brothers, "and he's vegan. Š I'm honest about caring about animals. You know, eggs and milk products, there's a lot of animal discomfort in that, too."

Unlike with vegetarianism, she's not sure if a completely animal product-free diet will stick.

Either way, she's still kosher.

And, the winner is . . .

A mother of six and substitute teacher from Queens, N.Y., is the winner of the second annual Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off. Joy Devor took top honors with her "Fantastic Flounder Rolls," featuring Everything Tam Tams and thousand island dressing.

Take the Torah to the train

Three morning minyamin have been a regular happening on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv train. And, for the first time last week, the men were able to pray with a Torah scroll.

After consulting the Beit Shemesh Rabbinate, lawyer David Schapiro was given permission to buy an easily portable Torah scroll, namely, one that is just about 6 inches high.

Schapiro, who picks up the train in Beit Shemesh en route to his Tel Aviv office, described it as "a historic occasion."

Those daveners must have really good eyesight ‹ or, perhaps, a magnifying glass.

‹ compiled with reports from JTA News and Features, The Jerusalem Post and other sources

Jews cross over medal

With discussions under way in Germany to reintroduce the Iron Cross as a bravery medal, the Jewish community is balking.

Introducing the Iron Cross medal, Der Spiegel quoted Stephan Cramer, the general secretary of Germany's Central Council of Jews, "would refer back to a disastrous tradition which led to humanity's greatest crime during National Socialism."

No swastika discussions are under way.