A star-studded Chanukah – J-Wire

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Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow joined Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby to light the menorah for the first night of Chanukah, launching a surprise star-studded celebration of the festival.

Over the next eight nights, various celebrities will join Tishby to light the candles in the menorah, share their personal stories and spread Jewish joy at a time when anti-Semitism is at an all-time high.

Future guests include supermodels, journalists, comedians and TV and film stars. Although not all participants are Jewish, they are united in their commitment to celebrate Jewish culture and stand against anti-Semitism.

Paltrow and Tishby kicked off the festivities by reflecting on their shared Jewish heritage. Paltrow, who has been open about her connection to Judaism, shared an insight into her family’s Chanukah traditions. “We always light the menorah. We always get together and after we turn on the lights, it’s very sweet,” Paltrow said. “We hug everyone and we bring the light in. Ever since they were little, my children sit on the floor, close their eyes, and then I give them their gifts.”

The actress also reflected on her Long Island roots, where she grew up celebrating Chanukah, and how her family continues those customs today. Tishby, who grew up celebrating Chanukah in Israel, added her own perspective, and the two bonded over their shared values ​​and traditions.

“We need to show the world that it’s cool to be Jewish,” Tishby said. “Chanukah is the perfect holiday to turn on the lights, literally. From lighting candles to eating fried food to spinning dreidels, these eight nights are about being with family and friends – both Jewish and non-Jewish – laughing , sing and dance.”

Tishby emphasized the importance of keeping Jewish traditions alive and proudly sharing them with the world, especially in challenging times. “It is important that we carry on these traditions and retell the story of Chanukah and Jewish resilience every year,” she said. “And that includes publicly and proudly displaying your menorah — whether it’s in your living room window or on social media.”

As part of the celebration, a new reel featuring a different celebrity will be posted each day until January 1, encouraging both Jews and non-Jews to participate by lighting their own menorahs and sharing their celebrations on social media with the hashtag #BringOnTheLight .