Hyman Krustofsky became a respected Rabbi in Springfield's Lower East Side. He had a son, Herschel Krustofsky, who wanted to become a clown instead of a Rabbi, against his father's wishes. Hyman abandoned Herschel after he saw him perform as a clown on stage.
Years later, Bart Simpson and Lisa Simpson found out about the estrangement between Hyman and Herschel (now better known as Krusty the Clown) and waged a campaign to convince Hyman to reunite with his son by quoting passages of Jewish scripture. After several attempts, Bart finally convinced Hyman by quoting Sammy Davis Jr.. Hyman met his son backstage on The Krusty the Clown Show, and the two embraced after many years. Hyman Krustofsky appeared in front of the audience playfully throwing a pie at Krusty.[2]
Krustofsky was later visited by Homer Simpson who requested $50,000 (as he needed the money for a quadruple bypass), causing him to react with shock and implied refusal (although he did give Homer a dreidle instead).[3]
Hyman with His son Krusty
In "Today, I Am a Clown," when Krusty and Bart and Lisa Simpson go to Rabbi Krustofsky to ask why Krusty never had a Bar Mitzvah when he was thirteen, Krusty's father explains it was because he was afraid that Krusty, being very mischievous as a kid, would make a mockery of the whole ceremony. Homer Simpson was given a show during Krusty's time-slot on Saturdays (the Sabbath day for Jews) and it was so popular that Krusty's show was cancelled. In a move of desperation, he decided to televise his Bar Mitzvah. It proved to be extremely successful, but disappoints Hyman. Krusty, feeling guilty, tells his dad after the show that he wants to have a real Bar Mitzvah the traditional way at a Jewish temple, which pleases Rabbi Krustofsky.[4] He died during the first episode of Season 26, "Clown in the Dumps."
