Teh rising tide of antisemitism is prompting public figures to more openly embrace their jewish identity, and a recent Hanukkah candle lighting served as a poignant example. Andy Cohen and noa Tishby discussed the importance of raising their children with a strong Jewish identity amid increasing societal concerns.
A Hanukkah Ritual as Resistance
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The conversation between Cohen and Tishby highlighted several key themes: the challenges of instilling Jewish identity in children, Cohen’s desire to speak out against rising hatred, and the framing of Hanukkah celebration as an act of resistance against antisemitism.
Tishby shared a clip of the candle lighting, which took place on a set familiar to Bravo viewers. Cohen carefully lit the menorah,and the conversation quickly turned personal. He reflected on whether it was essential to cultivate a Jewish identity in his six-year-old son, Ben, and his daughter, Lucy. Cohen recounted a “warming” moment when his son created a Jewish star, realizing, as Cohen put it, “who he is.”
Tishby then asked Cohen about the societal pressures faced by public figures who are openly Jewish. Cohen responded, “I have not encountered such an increase of hatred which is coming up and which the mainstream circles are beginning to accept.” he continued, “So it makes me want to talk even more. That’s why I said yes to sitting with you right now.” He firmly stated, “The only solution to anti-Semitism is the pride of Jews.”
Jewish Pride as a Response to Hatred
What can be done to combat antisemitism? Cohen’s answer was clear: Jewish pride is the most effective response to hatred.
The segment was part of the ‘#BringOnTheLight’ series, featuring a different guest each night of Hanukkah. Responses to the video were largely supportive, with one follower commenting, “Andy’s career has always been very public about his Jewishness but now he is even more so and the fact that he is exposing his kids to the Jewishness is indeed a marvelous thing.” Another viewer simply wrote, “You guys are the light in the darkness, thank you.”
However, the celebration was tinged with anxiety. A non-Jewish commenter expressed solidarity, stating, “We are not Jews but we love many of them… and our hearts suffer for all those suffering and we worry. So this light,love,and joy are really great.”
Calls for Action and Philosophical Debate
Some commenters urged Cohen to take more direct political action, with one writing, “You have such a big platform, Andy.You need to show the loud and even violent protests…. Show the world that their chants….are dangerous and have real-life consequences!” Another thanked him for his bravery,adding,”I hope you will debate with friends like Cynthia Nixon about how words have real consequences.”
A more philosophical question emerged from the comments: “I really can’t see how being proud is going to help us. Or will it just let us go through this hard period? Somebody please explain.” One response asserted, “As you never flee from hate – you fight it right in the center with Jewish pride. Our grandparents and great-grandparents were not the Jews who died in the Holocaust; they were not the ones that we cower now.”
The segment, produced by Eighteen Productions-a name significant as ‘chai’ translates to life in Hebrew-was more than a holiday greeting. It was a public reflection on heritage, fear, and defiance. For Cohen, known for his role in pop culture, it was a notably solemn and purposeful appearance. The act of lighting candles, a ritual rooted in ancient resilience, was presented as a modern necessity. In a climate where hate speech is becoming normalized, Cohen and Tishby’s shared menorah represented a small but powerful flame against the encroaching darkness-a gesture that resonated with many as both reassuring and a call to remain resolute.
