Key Takeaways
- Jewish celebrities like Alex Borstein, Debra Messing, and Amy Schumer celebrated Hanukkah 2025 by sharing photos of their menorahs and participating in a special video series.
- Many celebrities, including Cory Booker, Sandra Bernhard, and Mayim Bialik, used the holiday to speak out against antisemitism and promote Jewish pride.
- The celebrations included traditional Hanukkah activities like lighting the menorah, making latkes, and exchanging gifts.
- Non-Jewish celebrities like Paul McCartney and Padma Lakshmi also participated in the celebrations, with McCartney sharing a photo taken by his late Jewish wife, Linda Eastman.
Introduction to Hanukkah Celebrations
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light, is a time for celebration, reflection, and community. In 2025, Jewish celebrities around the world came together to share their Hanukkah experiences and promote Jewish pride. From Alex Borstein’s inflatable Hanukkah unicorn to Debra Messing’s heartfelt message of grief and solidarity, the celebrations were a testament to the power of faith and community.
Celebrity Hanukkah Traditions
Many celebrities shared their Hanukkah traditions and activities on social media. Alan Bersten, a Jewish "Dancing With the Stars" choreographer, created a special Hanukkah dance and shared a picture of himself and his girlfriend lighting the menorah. Padma Lakshmi, who is not Jewish but has a Jewish ex-partner, included a latke recipe in her latest cookbook and filmed a funny video of herself and her daughter making latkes together. Sandra Bernhard, an actress and comedian, shared a message of peace and connection to humanity on Instagram.
Standing Against Antisemitism
Unfortunately, the Hanukkah celebrations were also marred by tragedy, with a terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney and a mass shooting at Brown University. Many celebrities used their platforms to speak out against antisemitism and promote Jewish pride. Cory Booker, who celebrated his first Hanukkah at home with his Jewish wife, Alexis, shared a message of solidarity and grief. Mayim Bialik, an actress and neuroscientist, lit all the menorahs in her home to bring in extra light and promote hope. Amy Schumer, who participated in a special Hanukkah video series, talked about her love for Hanukkah as a kid and the antisemitism she experienced as a child.
Food and Family
Food is a big part of Hanukkah celebrations, and many celebrities shared their favorite recipes and traditions. Molly Yeh, a Jewish star of the Food Network, created a special Hanukkah special with an Italian flair, featuring pizza latkes and brisket meatballs. Ethan Zohn, a "Survivor" season three winner, lit his menorah "Survivor" style and shared a recipe for traditional Hanukkah dishes. Phil Rosenthal, a "Somebody Feed Phil" star and "Everybody Loves Raymond" showrunner, celebrated Hanukkah with Noa Tishby by stuffing his face with food from his new diner, Max & Helen’s.
Interfaith Celebrations
Hanukkah is a time for community and connection, and many non-Jewish celebrities participated in the celebrations. Paul McCartney, who is not Jewish but has a Jewish wife, shared a photo taken by his late Jewish wife, Linda Eastman. Padma Lakshmi, who is not Jewish but has a Jewish ex-partner, included a latke recipe in her latest cookbook and filmed a funny video of herself and her daughter making latkes together. These interfaith celebrations are a testament to the power of love and community to bring people together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hanukkah celebrations of 2025 were a time for Jewish celebrities to come together and promote faith, community, and pride. From traditional activities like lighting the menorah and making latkes to more modern expressions of Jewish identity, the celebrations were a testament to the diversity and richness of Jewish culture. As the world continues to grapple with antisemitism and intolerance, the Hanukkah celebrations serve as a reminder of the importance of love, community, and solidarity.
