Natalie Portman's Christmas Tree

I am not a religious Jew. However, I am very much connected to my people and my roots. I watched the Jimmy Fallon segment with Ms. Portman in disgust. She belittled our traditions and spoke falsely in my name when she implied that all Jews want Christmas trees. Many of us have absolutely no desire for this symbol. The Maccabeam led our people's battle against Hellenism just as we try to retain Judiasm in this day and age. Ms. Portman's stance concurs with historical hellenistic practices. She is likely trying to normalize her intermarriage. She wrong to imply that we all think like her. Thank you for writing about this incident and correcting the message that she sent.

Natalie Portman is hardly a Jewish hero. She refused to go to Israel to accept an award from the prime minister. She said that it was because she doesn't like Natanyahu but the BDS people cheered her decision. Behavior like her's empowers anti-semites.

She is disgraceful. Maybe in her twisted world, Jews yearn for a tree, not me, not anyone I know. We have our own holidays wrought with meaning, not some commercially concocted, pagan based symbol. Natalie, do us Jews a favor, don't say you are one of us if you have such a need for a tree...remember, the same tree you put up, is the same wood that will be used by antisemites to burn you with.

So I'm reading the current edition of Aish and I have seem more articles about Mrs Portmans opinios than I care to read. Yes I get that she is famous and yes she is an axtress that was born in Israel, and yes she does have a huge following, but, what does it matter how she wants to celebrate Hanukkah? I mean who are we to judge how each individual wants practice Judaism? Is it a way to scold others who like Mrs Portman have their own opinions and feeling about religion? arent we allowed to wonder and or question the different aspects of who we are as intelligent human beings? Does that make us lesser Jews?

why would a Jew have an x-mas tree? there is nothing remotely Jewish about it or remotely interesting or nice....then you have to get rid of it...and it could catch fire..I don't get it. I think she's mashugge

So long as the children are taught and seek to acknowledge both Jewish and Christian heritages, any tree and all trees are the creations of our Creator. Todays society is diverse beyond what has ever been in past history. What needs doing, is to bring the meaning of our spirituality into being in everyday life and not make so much of the decorations.

Grandmother you can't have it both ways. there isn't a grey area in this situation. as for as being 1/2 Jewish, I assume you have a daughter that is Jewish. if not, then you're out of luck because the man only identifies the tribe they're in. it's the woman who actually establishes if any child born is Jewish.

There is also Easter - symbolised by eggs and rabbits.
The Mayan tradition of Piñata, dedicated to their god; Huitzilopochtli (extra brownie points if you can pronounce it).
Halloween, originally Samhain - a Gaelic festival.
All these holidays are celebrated by Ashkenazi Jews wishing to emulate their Christian neighbours.
Sephardim, on the other hand, having Muslim neighbours, did not see the need to adopt any pagan rituals.

The tree was worshipped by the Pagans, and when the early Christians were trying to attract converts, they were told they could bring along their tree. It has nothing to do with Christianity, as well as the other symbols, such as wreaths, mistletoe, etc. it's all pagan, aka Avodah Zara aka idolatry, strictly forbidden by the Torah.

the Xmas tree was forbidden by law, as it was Pagan!

I'm a Christian but will protect the Jewish faith with my life. I've always been drawn to it. Just remember there are people that aren't Jewish out there that are standinding up for you.

This is very true. However, a funny story was born of my festival of lights without a menorah as a teen. My dearest "adopted" parents (by me) were holocaust survivors. Pop and Mom were survivors of the Russian Revolution and the Holocaust. They knew of the Elka as did I and their two young daughters never celebrated by bringing the elka into their home. After much discussion from his daughters and myself, he still refused. While he and mom were out visiting others, I decorated his cherished deer head with lights, tinsel and the menorah, Mom and pop took one look at this festive sight and laughed and laughed. This is how I managed to be named "dura". Years ago, for about 10 years, I brought a tree into my home without colored lights, star of david atop and angels from every Nation on earth. No tinsel, no santa, no Christmas balls, and I would leave it up for 8 days. Loved it. No longer do it but IF I ever again, it is a memory of great importance to me to remember Mom and Pop with great love! Pop bought a tree within days. :-)

Honestly I do not understand what is the fuss about Christmas tree about. I grew up under Communism and when I asked my father why we do not have a tree he said: "We are Jewish and Jews do not have it"
And he did not have any community around or Jewish education or anything. It was the end of discussion and I never desired any also I never desired the gifts as I understood it is not my holiday.

It is truly a sad state of affairs when one compromises everything that represents her roots and heritage to fit in with this great mosaic. I pity her. Now that she has entered the great mosaic what a shame Israeli born to roots and heritage she should be proud of and she is compromising. Thank G-d there were celebrities like Steven Hill.

Judaism teaches us right from wrong. It is wrong for a Jewish person to have a Christmas tree. The tree is a symbol of another religion. The festive and beautiful holiday of Hanukkah should be appreciated and acknowledged by Jews. This is our holiday. Sincerely yours, Judith Levy

Portman's longing for a Christmas tree, and sense of fulfillment in finally having one, should come as no surprise. She's been brainwashed with Hollywood liberalism since birth. So she thinks that diversity, inclusiveness and multiculturalism are the foremost values in life -- and that Judaism is just one religion among many, all of them *equal*.

Just as Israel needs to look away from the U.S. (as long as the latter's current stance on the 'Palestinians' remains unchanged) Jews need to look away from Hollywood. Ignore it. These people are 100% shielded from the fallout of what they advocate, should it came to pass. They are a lost cause.

I think it is a misinterpretation of one tradition with another. natalie's parents came from Russia/ Soviet Union. Soviet Union a you remember banned all religious practices, but fr every family Christmas tree (Elka) was associated with New Year celebration. For at least 70 years and several generations of Jews that was a traditin and it has nothing to do with Christmas but only with coming New Year. Many jews who came from Soviet Union or it's former republics remember and cherish this New Year tradition with Elka ( Christmas tree everywhere else) and even claiming strong ties with their jewishness they did not give up New Year Elka tradition in their minds and hearts. That's why Natalie's parents were so ready to offer presense of Elka (Christmas) tree.

I posted against a Christmas tree by Jews, but I am aware of what you refer to after questioning Russian Jewish business associates when I saw pictures of a tree in their home.
I also have seen Christmas tree sellers still set up after Christmas in Russian neighborhoods.
This is an interesting contradiction between an old custom and what most Jewish Americans would not do.

The Jewish new year is celebrated in the fall... Only the civil new year is on January 1... We are to be mindful of what Hashem has deemed for our appointed times... Including the beginning of the new year.

I just learned what a kippa is and used for.. So. I hardly have an opinion . I will say this however. Celebrating this holiday we have always used a tree. It was not until I looked into stuff for myself that I learned of this Chanukah. I would not even know where to start or perform this holiday but it sounds delightful and full of meaning. Have a happy blessed Chanukah!

This article makes me want to regurgitate. IT IS NOT EVERY JEW'S WISH TO HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE. That is one of the stupidest ideas I have read. This just illustrates what airheads many of our celebrities are. It is evidence of the slippery slope of assimilation.

Whilst I fully understand where the question of whether Natalie Portman is wrong for having a Christmas tree ( to which I agree she is), A fundamental point is being missed Natalie has chosen to leave her Judaism when she married out and has lived a secular life ever since.

What this shows as it has since Kirk Douglas that Hollywood is not the place for a dati person and the pulls of the goyim are very strong.

What should be done by Aish is to try and show that the true calling of hashem will lead them to real success not just the money and fame that being famous brings , but you are really wasting your time as anyone how truly wants to stay on the derech would not follow the path to Hollywood in the fist place.

the sooner, the absolute better!

Please make sure that Ms Portman receives this article. She needs to know how much damage she has caused

Dear Natalie Portman,
I must set the record straight: I have never ever wanted a Christmas tree. Honest. I grew up in a traditionally Jewish household in London, UK in the 1960s and 70s. Although I attended a non-Jewish school, I was so immensely proud of being Jewish and of our own traditions, I never felt hard done by for not having a tree. When my classmates would talk about their excitement for Christmas, it never once occurred to me to be jealous of them and want what they had. I loved not only Chanukah (8 days of celebrations), but all the chagim with their resplendent practices. Why would I hanker after a tree, when we had candles and doughnuts (and presents), booths and palm branches, mishloach manot and fancy dress, a seder night of stories and songs and hiding the matza, cheesecake and staying up all night to learn, apple and honey and shofar blowing..... and weekly opportunities to spend time with my parents and family round the dinner table? As a kid, when my parents drove through London during the Christmas season, we had this game to count the Christmas trees in people's windows; but I am very happy that my own kids get to count menorahs as we drive through the streets of Israel. You need to retract your incorrect sweeping statement: not every Jew wishes for a Christmas tree. This one certainly doesn't. I strongly recommend you spend some time looking into your own heritage to see what you are really missing. Happy Chanukah.

Ms. Portman's comments and activities this December 24, 2016, does not bother me. I love Jewish families who can celebrate the beauty of both. I think it can be done and is done in so many interfaith families. It does bother me if a Jewish family, interfaith, or not, fails to see the beautify in Judaism and in this holiday of miracles where we have so much to be proud of.

Fran Fine represents the Jews I know. Their Trees have non-religious themes. Blue and white. They have menorahs also. Ask them and they say "I'm Jewish". I'm a goy with many Jewish friends they pray for me I pray for them.

I think a lot of these comments come off as judgmental and will only ostracize some Jews.

I grew up a Conservative Jew with a strong Jewish identity. (My wife, children and I became Orthodox 10 years ago.) My one Xmas tree experience was 18 years ago when I was working for someone who was very into his Christianity, and was even trying to convert me. He had me participate in trimming the tree he put up in the office. I literally got a full body rash and had to get a steroid injection. My wife and I thought the whole thing was pretty funny and ironic. On a side note, when I spent my junior year of college in England the people in the Conservative Jewish would say that the way to tell who were the Jews was that they were the ones with the biggest Xmas trees.

I have never wanted a tree for Chanukah or any holiday. I lived with Christians for more than 30 years, if I wanted one when I was very young I don't remember. I did want bros and sisters, bc I never had any. I did want my Mom to have better health , she died when I was young. I wasted my time wishing I was beautiful, but I never wanted a tree. I don't get that. Big glad for who you are and don't waste time with garbage. Seh is talented, and very pretty, etc. TRivial.
.

Don't expect much from left-wing Natalie Portman.

Her ignorant comments on every Jew's secret wish to have a Christmas tree is just as stupid as her insensitive & ignorant comments she has made in the past regarding the holocaust.
Actors in Hollywood do not live in the real world.

I grew up in Calif and live in Israel. I never ever wanted a Christmas tree! As a matter of fact, one of the things I liked best about Israel when I came on aliyah was that Christmas came and went without your even knowing! I don't think any of my Jewish friends wanted a tree either. We were all very happy with all the festive Chanukah activities....:-)....!

what a grand feeling

It's sad. Had Natalie Portman stayed and grown up in Israel, she wouldn't have had this deep-seated "tree envy". Israeli kids go through the holiday season blissfully free of the Xmas media bombardment; so even secular Israeli Jews avoid being enticed by the glitter of Christian symbolism.

I've always loved Natalie since I can remember and I still do. Nevertheless, I am sad that she succumbed to the pressure.

If only she would ever ask herself what both of these festivals, and their respective practises, are really all about, she would see just how incompatible they are with each other. And she certainly wouldn't have any problem working out which one to celebrate!

I wish Natalie's parents had responded to her desire for a tree in the same way my brother had responded to mine. Back in late middle school/early high school, I remember commenting to a classmate how I wished my family had a tree. I made the remark to her while in the car; my older brother was at the wheel. After we dropped her off, he said to me very directly that I was wrong for thinking the way I did - that I needed to take a hard look at myself and take pride in the fact that I was a Jewish. His words really affected me and made me realize that my comment came not from any real affinity for the non-Jewish culture I was surrounded by, but more from a sense of lack - a kind of inner void. I believe that when this void is not met in the proper way, Jews become easy prey for assimilation into non-Jewish society, including and especially cults like Jews for J and the like. We so want to feel accepted within the general society, but do not realize at what cost this comes to our long-term spiritual well-being.

Rather than encouraging her to tread the path of assimilation, Natalie's parents should have conveyed to her a sense of pride in her Jewishness, not only in their words but in the feelings underlying those words. At the same time, it's clear that pride in one's Jewishness must be contextualized in light of one's relationship to G-d and His Torah, by mean of which which real and lasting Jewish identity can be achieved.

Maybe better things will start happening to the Jewish people when Jews start doing better things to other Jews.

While I disagree with Natalie that Jews want a tree, there may be a longing to want something around this time of year that brings family together in a festive atmosphere such that Christmas does with non Jews and their families. For many Hanukkah and the Menorah doesn't make the cut. While the Frum among us do a better job at celebrating Hanukkah to make it more meaningful, an honest observer will note the way Christmas brings their family together is a 'joyous' time of year for these people. For most Christians, its their favorite holiday and time of year, the same cant be said for Jews and Hanukkah. Jews have other holidays which I believe have a coming together of family and holiday celebration such as Passover and Sukkot though the overall theme is not necessary jovial.

The other aspect is that only about 10% of American Jews (according to Pew) are Orthodox, meaning that belief systems are different among the 90% of American Jews. We shouldn't be so surprised that some of these Jews want trees or involvement in the Christmas holiday since they dont have the same belief systems. In this modern time, belief systems likely will not change among the 90% so attempting to fighting and judging these 'assimilations' will likely go nowhere. Accentuating the Jewish holidays and traditions and how wonderful they can be is the way to keep Judaism alive among the non-orthodox and even intermarried.

True, but the difference is that Orthodox Judaism is surviving and the other kinds are not.

...is not true. Reform Judaism is doing rather well, although I suspect that many Orthodox don't view Reform Jews as real Jews.

As a very wise Reform rabbi once said to me: "You know what the difference is between Orthodox and Reform? The biggest fear of the Orthodox Jew is that Judaism will not look exactly the same in 100 years as it does today. The biggest fear of Reform Jews is that it will look exactly the same."

Actually I read an article that there has been an increase in intermarried attendance in Reform temples resulting in an increase in Jewish practice by intermarried families for perhpas the first time in history. You are correct that unless the Mother is Jewish the children won't be regarded as Jewish by the Orthodox or Israel for that matter.. Regardless, from a survey perspective they will be regarded as Jews.

My point though to Dvirah is that while Orthodoxy is surviving and growing, the point of negatively judging Natalie Portman is going to do nothing to bring back 'secular' jews to Judaism. Natalie already married a non-jew, so we shouldn't be surprised that she will be having a tree in her home. She chose to marry a non-jew and they are sharing their home equally with religious tradition. No surprise here.

Ms. Portman was born in Jerusalem to an Orthodox family if I recall correctly; her father was an oncologist. But fame, fortune, and living in Hollywood has an odd effect on people, Jews in particular. Ms. Portman shacked up with her French, non-Jewish now-husband, and only married him well after baby number one was gestating. (I THINK they married before their first child was born..)

So what Ms. Portman REALLY wants is to do whatever she feels like, when she feels like doing so. "I'll ignore my faith, I'll celebrate Christmas AND Hanukkah...because I can!" This attitude is pervasive among Hollywood, of course, but it is also painfully ingrained in our younger Jews. Look at the comments above...many say we mustn't even mention that "Jewish" thing lest we offend our kid's non-Jewish spouses/significant others. In doing so, we are on the road to finishing what Hitler started...But as long as Natalie is happy, we should celebrate, too, right?

Jews who have Christmas trees invariably rationalize their doing so by denigrating the practices of their Christian neighbors. They tell themselves, and of course others, that the tree, like Christmas itself, has no religious significance. It is not a coincidence that most of these Jews ignore Jewish practices, which for them have no significance. Portman has apparently added another rationale: she's doing what every Jew would love to do, were they only so courageous, as she considers herself to be.

I was deeply disappointed by the actress idea of thinking that a Xmas tree is ok in a Jewish home We can make Chanukah beautiful. I wonder how her grandparents would feel about it? Shame no pride in your heritage

My parents were both Holocaust survivors! From an early age, I taught my 2 boys and 1 daughter that it's just as easy to fall in love with a Jewish person than a non Jew. When they grew up, they all went on J Date. I now have 6 Jewish grandchildren with the 7th almost here any day now. It IS how you raise them!!! They also went to Jewish private school. Even if you can't afford that, show them Judaism at home and teach them how important it is that our religion must be passed down so it doesn't die!!!

Yes Nanette! My husband and I made a hard decision to send our children to Jewish day school. It is expensive and the best money I have ever spent. Some feel it is indoctrination but after having the kids at secular schools until high school it actually feels like coming home. Have wonderful holiday!

The symbols are all connected with ancient pagan worship; the names have changed, the stories edited, but they still represent idolatry. "...every abhorrent thing that YHVH hates, they have done for their gods." That should be reason enough to shun even innocent-seeming practices connected with the holiday.

I've grown up in an observant home, in a community that is warm, loving, fiercely faithful, yet very judgemental and critical of all things "not Jewish enough ". As I see it, a tree adorned is a cultural symbol, not religious. If a Jew wants to adorn a tree with religious symbols it still would be a tree of the region, not assimilation trying to sneak in. One can assimilate to the culture they live in, yet remain Jewish. This is precisely what makes Jews and Judaism so fierce and eternal.

It was with great interest that I read all of the comments on Facebook. My young adult son knows that I am against intermarriage, but a Frum girlfriend of mine warned me not to nag at him. (He is single, and not dating anyone right now.) I too come from a VERY Secular background, and am much happier now that I have become more observant. However, IMO we really need to be careful not to say/write hurtful words to other people. Yes, some of you may feel like you are walking on eggshells here. Me too. I have to choose my words VERY carefully when speaking to non religious family members, as I can offend them without even blinking!

I hate to break it to you, Natalie but I have no secret wish for a Christmas tree. I'm perfectly happy with my Menorah. And one more thing: you don't speak for the Jewish people. !!! HAPPY CHANUKAH EVERYONE!?

"She told the Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon that since the first night of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas this year, her family has decided to celebrate both holidays together."

No, the first night of Hanukkah is December 24th. You could say that the first day of Hanukkah is on Xmas because the goyim don't understand or care about "erev anything" so Xmas starts at midnight for them, not before.

Ms. Portman, here is my prayer for you: I hope that next year you will be even more excited to decorate your sukkah.

She personifies the Jew who is ignorant of everything Jewish. She is a perfect example of today's Hellenist Jew. The irony is these are exactly the type of Jews Yehuda Hamaccabi fought against. His war was not only against the Greek Empire but mainly the vast numbers of Hellenist Jews who had taken on and copied everything Greek. We are now at a time in history where this is being repeated. May H' help us that these types of Jews who have no inkling of who, what and why they are, to wake up and do teshuva or else they and their descendants will, chas v'sholom, completely disappear; just as the ancient Hellenist Jews did. How truly ironic that Chanukah is the Hellenists' favorite Jewish Holiday! If they only knew the truth.

Her rationalization that infers that "Every Jew desires a X-mas tree" is simply a delusion.....huh Natalie? I am an Artsy Jewish woman who craves to be involved in everything creative--I have lots of Non-Jewish friends who create fabulous X-mas trees --both in their homes and at work.......NEVER EVER did I desire to have a X-mas tree! Simply it is NOT something that JEWS DO. PERIOD. She's attempting to "smoothe-over" the situation by her rediculous remark. I have actually lost alot of respect I had for her. She is NOT a positive example of a modern Jewish woman---BELIEVE ME. HAPPY CHANUKAH EVERYONE!!

What I always wanted as a kid: Nutella filled doughnuts.

My ex husband was not Jewish. He wasn't into religion so it didn't matter to him we never had an Xmas tree. Even when my quilting friends changed fabric ornaments, I just put mine on lamp switches & door knobs as long as were not religious. Otherwise I gave to my non Jewish friends or his family. Now, I'm married to a Jew, & we have our candle menorah & electric one for the window (don't want to start a fire). I hate to go into stores at this time of year as I cannot stand the Xmas music on loudspeakers. i only go in for things I need & not to buy Xmas gifts. I think that Natalie Portman is sending a negative message to Jews everywhere. Chanukah is NOT the Jewish Xmas. I tell my non Jewish friends that if it weren't for the Jewish victory over the Greeks, they wouldn't even be Christians since Chanukah set the stage for their religion to come about. By the way, Ken the tree some pagan symbol that the Christians adopted like so many of their customs in order to get them to convert?

..." I tell my non Jewish friends that if it weren't for the Jewish victory over the Greeks, they wouldn't even be Christians since Chanukah set the stage for their religion to come about."...

This is so true...

"it’s every Jew’s kind of secret wish to have a Christmas tree" - what a wrong and stupid assumption!

i gave my children chanukah candles and menorahs when they got their own homes and married to make sure they remember
their heritage

I grew up celebrating Chanukah. I have many friends who celebrated Christmas. I got into the spirit with them. I even helped decorate the tree with them. But at NO point did I ever tell my parents we had to have a tree. I love going around looking at decorations on people's homes. But do not have a desire to have a tree. I work with people from different religions. I doubt the Muslims I work with want a tree.
Natalie Portman does NOT speak for all Jews

UGHHH... !

What I really wanted as a kid was a ginormous menorah with torches not candles. Luckily my mom never listened

I beg to differ most strongly with Ms. Portman. No doubt there are Jewish children who would love to have a Xmas tree, BUT not all children. Those who know who they are & where they come from, who know their own history, which she obviously does not, and does not find it important if she does, are not at all interested. We all prefer the chanukiya menorah & the beautiful lights if gives us for 8 days, not only in side our own homes, but also to the outside world when it's bright lights shine outside as well as inside our homes.

I disagree 1000% with what Natalie Portman is doing. It seems to me like she just wants to fit in with everyone else. Yes, Christmas trees and all of the decorations are pretty. I enjoy driving around my mixed neighborhood and looking at all of the lights and decorations. However, I have never wanted a Christmas tree or any other Christmas memorabilia to be displayed in my home. This "December competition" has been irritating me for my entire life, but I will NOT be a part of what Natalie Portman is doing!

I've never had a tree and don't celebrate Christmas
Hanukkah is my holiday and I observe it and always will
I never desired a tree because it's a Christian holiday. Dec. 25th is just another day to me. It has become too commercial. My ZAda and family just give gelt.

that ..."Actors and actresses should not be our children's role models"...

To the anonymous commenter above. Thank you. I do my best to be a role model for my young adult son. (Yes, I still have influence on him believe it or not. IMO our children never stop watching us.) He asked for an ocarina for Chanukah, and I plan to get him one.