Why I’m Not Afraid of Natalie Portman’s Christmas Tree [Video]

Jewish actress Natalie Portman announced to Jimmy Fallon that she is going to have a Christmas tree for the first time this year. And lots of people (including many of my rabbi friends) on social media are upset. This is something I hear every year from many of my rabbinic colleagues: Isn’t it horrible to see photos of Jews with Christmas trees?

It is not horrible. Personally, I don’t have a Christmas tree, and I don’t have any desire for one. Yet, I completely understand why some people who are Jewish do have Christmas trees, and often it comes down to the fact that many families have members of different faith backgrounds. In the case of Natalie Portman, she ordinarily celebrates Hanukkah in her home and attends Christmas at her in-laws. But, because of the overlapping timing of Christmas and Hanukkah this year, Natalie will be hosting the holidays, and she is getting a …