Instagram/@bravoandy
Together, Noa Tishby and Andy Cohen celebrated the festival of Hanukkah by lighting the candle for each of the eight days of the holiday. Jewish solidarity was so strong that they even talked about a very personal issue: raising their children with a solid Jewish identity amid the current rise of anti-Semitism; hence the festive ritual was the resistance.
Advertisement
Noa Tishby, movie star and activist, shared the clip of the two on the same clubhouse set. Bravo network host Cohen was seen very carefully lighting the menorah. The conversation soon turned to very personal topics. Cohen questioned whether it is essential to form a Jewish identity in his children, Ben, six, and Lucy, six. He narrated a beautiful incident about his son’s creation of a Jewish star and called it very “touching.” “Cohen said, “Seeing him realize that “he is.”
Tishby then asked Cohen what he and the other public figures who are embracing their Judaism had to say about how it might be perceived as an urgent need in times in society when it is difficult. Cohen’s response was very appropriate. “I haven’t come across the rise of hatred that is emerging and that mainstream circles are starting to accept.” “So it makes me want to talk even more. That’s why I said yes to sitting with you right now,” he continued. Then he made a very forceful statement: “The only solution to anti-Semitism is Jewish pride.”
The video was part of the ‘#BringOnTheLight’ series taking place during the Hanukkah period during which a different guest will appear each night. Most responses were very supportive and reflected people’s acceptance. One follower said: “Andy’s career has always been very public about his Judaism, but now he’s even more so and the fact that he’s exposing his kids to Judaism is truly a wonderful thing.” Another user said: “You are the light in the darkness, thank you.”
However, behind the joy of the celebration, there was anxiety. A comment from a non-Jewish user who expressed a general concern and that user who was different probably made the comment. “We are not Jews but we love many of them… and our hearts ache for all those who suffer and we care. So this light, this love and this joy is really great,” they said, explaining how this incident went beyond that of the Jewish community.
Furthermore, there were some comments that were more than just celebrations. Some people called for more direct political action from Cohen. A plea: “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 person thanked her for her bravery, but added pointedly: “I hope you debate with friends like Cynthia Nixon about how words have real consequences.”
Furthermore, a very philosophical and possibly tiresome question arose. One user asked bluntly: “I really don’t see how pride will help us. Or will it just get us through this difficult period? Someone explain to us.” The answers given to this question were forceful and educational. “Because you never run from hate: you fight it from the center with Jewish pride,” said one writer. “Our grandparents and great-grandparents were not the Jews who died in the Holocaust; they were not the ones who cow us now.”
Advertisement
The segment produced by Eighteen Productions, whose name has meaning because ‘chai’ translates as life in Hebrew, was more than just a Christmas greeting. It was a public reflection on the themes of heritage, fear and challenge. It was a somewhat solemn and purposeful appearance for Andy Cohen, a character synonymous with pop culture triviality. The act of lighting candles, a ritual reminiscent of ancient resilience, was presented as a modern necessity. In a situation where hate speech has become normalized, Cohen and Tishby lighting a shared menorah was like a small, intentional flame fighting against the darkness spreading around them. It was a gesture that resonated with many viewers as a reassuring gesture and a call to remain resolute.
