Simon Cowell plans to embrace Jewish faith, visit Israel

British legend and X Factor boss, whose father was Jewish, is interested in girlfriend's religion as they expect their first child early 2014.

Music mogul Simon Cowell plans to embrace the Jewish faith of his girlfriend Lauren Silverman, who is pregnant with their first child, as well as make a secret trip to Israel, British tabloid The Mirror reported on Thursday, quoting sources close to Cowell.

The 54-year-old X Factor creator, judge and producer has Jewish roots - his father Eric was Jewish - but Cowell was raised Roman Catholic.
While Cowell has never shown particular interest in religion, the source told The Mirror he is "open to reason on the subject of religion and the faith in which his son is brought up."

"But he is naturally inquisitive and really wants to visit Israel so that he can make a more informed decision," the source added.

Cowell and Silverman's son is due on February 28, 2014, the source told The Mirror. Cowell remains secretive about the baby's first name, but has said the boy's middle name will be Eric, after Cowell's father.
Last month, Cowell attended the Friends of the IDF Western Region Gala in Beverly Hills and donated $50,000 to the non-profit organization.
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Music Mogul Simon Cowell Donates to IDF

Thank you Simon Cowell from Israel.

Hard-nosed American Idol and X Factor judge Simon Cowell was among 1,200 honored guests at this year's Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) event at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles

The annual salute to IDF soldiers is hosted by Cheryl and Haim Saban. Besides Cowell, the event was also graced by the presence of Lionel Richie, who gave a rare live performance.

aban was able to raise a record $20 million for the welfare of Israeli soldiers this year. The top contributors were International Fellowship of Christians and Jews director Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein ($4.5 million), Saban ($2.3 million), Oracle CEO Larry Ellison ($1 million) and Cowell ($50,000).

"The Jewish and Israeli community in Los Angeles recognizes and embraces the soldiers of the IDF and will continue to do everything possible to thank them and strengthen them," said Saban, who has served as chairman of the gala event for the past seven years.

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Simon Cowell - Simon Cowell sings for $1 million

Simon Cowell raised $1 million for Friends of Israel Defence Forces in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night (22.10.13) by singing the theme tune of 'Power Rangers' in front of his fellow guests.

Simon Cowell raised $1 million for charity by singing.

The 'X Factor' USA judge agreed to put his dignity on the line for a good cause afterbillionaire 'Power Rangers' creator, Haim Saban, offered to make the huge donation if Simon sang the show's theme tune with him.

The 54-year-old British star, whose girlfriendLauren Silverman is expecting a baby boy in February, delighted the packed room of guests after he accepted the challenge to raise money for Friends of Israel DefenceForces in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night(22.10.13).

Midway through his performance, Simon offered to donate $100,000 of his own money if he was allowed to stop.

Saban then agreed he could stop singing for $250,000, according to video footage obtained by gossip website TMZ.com.

The music mogul was also recently persuaded to show off his vocal talents by his fellow talent show judge Kelly Rowland during auditions for the 'X Factor' in Denver, Colorado, after being urged to show off his skills after he was less than impressed with one wannabe's attempt at singing 1940s classic 'Fools Rush In'.

Simon, who had previously vowed to never sing in public, obliged and was praised by judges Paulina Rubio and Demi Lovato, who said his rendition was ''charming''.

Kelly added: ''I knew that voice was always there.''

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