As an Orthodox Jew, whats it like working with Leno?
Well, he’s very respectful of religion. Very early on when I was writing for him I said, “Sorry, I have to leave now for Shabbos and I won’t be able to work until Saturday night.” He said, “Don’t apologize, it’s your religion.” Another time, on a Friday, the other writers were all talking about their plans for that night – parties, etc. I really felt awkward for a few moments, sort of like an outsider. But Jay broke the tension by making me laugh. He said, “I guess you feel like a nerd here, but I bet that back in your shul you’re a wild man!” How about getting off for the holidays? He joked about Shavuos. He said ” ‘sha-what-ous’? Are you making up these holidays?” He once asked me, “Marvin, what Jewish holiday is it today?” I said, “Danny Kaye’s birthday. I’ll have to leave early.” Jay drives around Los Angeles in a Stanley Steamer. It looks like a teapot; it boils water, which powers it. So he drives these and they’re usually open and he’s unmistakable, and sometimes my friends driv
