On “Seinfeld,” a priest calls Kramer’s irresistible, animal-like allure to women “the kavorka.” The term appears in “The Conversion,” where Kramer’s presence unexpectedly captivates Sister Roberta, a Latvian Orthodox novice.
The priests explain the kavorka as an ephemeral quality that makes Kramer irresistible to women. Kramer is not seeking this power, and the situation becomes a problem because Sister Roberta begins considering whether she should leave the religious order. The absurdly serious explanation is typical of the show’s treatment of Kramer’s bizarre social effects.
To counteract the kavorka, Kramer is instructed to surround himself with foul smells. He buys foods including garlic and wears them around, turning his apartment and the building into a sensory assault. The plan eventually works: when Sister Roberta encounters Kramer smelling terrible, her attraction disappears.
“The Conversion” is the 11th episode of season five and originally aired on December 16, 1993. The episode also follows George’s attempt to convert to Latvian Orthodoxy so he can continue dating Sasha, while Jerry investigates a tube of fungicide in his girlfriend’s medicine cabinet.