Fans Explore Elvis' Jewish Roots

August 15, JERUSALEM (AP) - On the main highway into this holy, hilltop city, a curious sign directs motorists to what's become a modern place of pilgrimage. It reads simply, ``Elvis.''

In a land crisscrossed by biblical prophets and Jesus, emperors and potentates, the roadside Elvis Inn - a gas station, restaurant and tourist trap - is a shrine to the king of rock 'n' roll.

Friday marks the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death and hundreds were expected to come to the spot to remember the singer. Some Israeli fans are also pondering a little-known theory about Elvis' identity that is increasingly talked about here - the king may have had Jewish blood.

Elvis' maternal great-great-grandmother, Nancy Tackett, was Jewish, according to one author. Tackett's daughter Martha Tackett was the mother of Doll Mansell, who in turn was the mother of Elvis' mother, Gladys Smith, according to a book, ``Elvis and Gladys,'' by Elaine Dundy.

Religious law says Judaism is passed down from the mother, so Elvis could be considered Jewish even though he was raised Christian, Dundy says.

The book received little attention when it was published in 1985. But an article mentioning it in the Wall Street Journal four years ago sent some enthusiasts on a search for Elvis' Jewish roots.

``He kind of looks Jewish. He's beautiful,'' said Kellen Kaiser, 21, from Berkeley, Calif., as she walked into the Elvis Inn. The dance student, who is spending the summer here, was awed by the weirdness of the place. Her jaw dropped.

A 13-foot golden Elvis statue looms out frot. Inside are souvenirs and a chaotic hodge-podge of more than a thousand photos of Elvis on the walls and ceiling. The restaurant, which opened two years before the king's 1977 death, is the creation of Elvis fanatic Uri Yoeli, an Israeli who was flying home from a trip to London to be on hand for Friday's celebrations.

``The kitsch level in this place is a little overwhelming, but in a good way,'' Kaiser said, as ``Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' played on the restaurant stereo. Kaiser has been a fan since she was a child. Her mother once forced a female friend to dress as Elvis for her 10th birthday party.

Motti Merromy, 51, who stops at the Elvis Inn on his way to work, was surprised to learn that the king could be Jewish.

``No,

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