Israeli actress and producer Noa Tishby hosted Hollywood stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis at her home to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah, as part of her YouTube series focused on the Jewish holiday. The trio gathered to light the candles while discussing their personal relationships with Judaism, cultural traditions, and identity.
During their conversation, they delved into the theme of miracles, a central tenet of Hanukkah, and the importance of publicly celebrating cultural roots. Tishby shared that her initiative comes from a place of concern due to rising antisemitism, stating, “A lot of people are afraid to assert their Jewish identity today, and we refuse to let that happen.” She aims to celebrate Judaism inclusively, inviting both Jews and non-Jews to participate.
This series was inspired by the resurgence of antisemitic incidents following the attacks on October 7, and Tishby hopes to empower Jews to embrace their identities rather than conceal them.
Kutcher, who was raised Catholic, expressed his fascination with Judaism, viewing it as essential for understanding Jesus’ teachings. He mentioned a significant relationship he had with a rabbi, whose teachings he has digitized to maintain a connection through artificial intelligence even after the rabbi’s passing. He highlighted the theme of miracles in his family’s Hanukkah celebrations, explaining that miracles are not only about extraordinary events but also about creating positive impacts for others.
Kunis shared her own experiences, recalling her upbringing in the USSR, where her family concealed their Jewish identity. She noted the newfound freedom in the United States to openly express her heritage and recognized the heightened significance of embracing their identities in the current global climate.
The evening concluded in a lighthearted mood, with the trio playfully debating the proper way to place the Hanukkiah before joining together in reciting blessings and lighting the candles. This celebration emphasized the resilience and joy of Jewish cultural identity, showcasing how shared traditions can bring people together, even in challenging times.