Mila Kunis has opened up about her relationship with Judaism, sharing personal insights about her upbringing and identity during the celebration of Hanukkah. On the second night of the holiday, Kunis participated in author Noa Tishby's #BringOnTheLight campaign, which aims to showcase Jewish joy and resilience throughout history.
Born in Ukraine, Kunis immigrated to Los Angeles when she was just eight years old. Reflecting on her childhood during her discussion with Tishby, Kunis revealed, "I always knew I was Jewish, but I was told to never talk about it." Growing up, she followed the cultural aspects of Judaism, but the religious holidays were largely absent from her family’s traditions.
Kunis explained her upbringing, noting, "I was raised culturally Jewish, so for me, it's a culture, and as I had kids, my kids very much identify with the religion aspect of it." This evolution highlights the shift from her early experiences to her current family life, where she and husband Ashton Kutcher actively celebrate their children's Jewish heritage.
Now married for nearly ten years, Kunis credits her husband with deepening her appreciation for her Jewish roots. "I fell in love with my religion because he explained it to me," she said. Although Kutcher is not Jewish, the couple instills Jewish values and traditions in their two children, daughter Wyatt Isabelle, 10, and son Dimitri Portwood, 8. Together, they celebrate important occasions such as Shabbos and Hanukkah.
During the Hanukkah celebration, Kunis faced light-hearted confusion when lighting the menorah. On video, she humorously called Kutcher for guidance, asking, "Hi babe, quick question, when you light the menorah, do you light from right to left or left to right?" Kutcher, who was on speakerphone, prompted, "It's right to left, babe." This moment not only illustrated the couple’s playful dynamic but also their commitment to keeping Jewish traditions alive within their family.
Noa Tishby also emphasized the significance of embracing these practices, stating, "Luckily, no one is judging, because the most important thing is simply lighting the candles and embracing the tradition." Kunis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the practice over rigid adherence to rules.
Kunis's reflections resonate with many who share similar journeys with their cultural identities. Tishby noted, "Mila’s evolution as a Jewish woman is a story so many can relate to, and I’m thrilled to have her voice as part of the #BringOnTheLight Hanukkah project." The campaign aims to highlight the vibrancy of Jewish traditions and combat stereotypes by celebrating the culture’s resilience and joy.
Despite the public scrutiny surrounding Kutcher due to controversies involving former friends, his dedication to his family and their chosen traditions remain steadfast. A source mentioned, "He feels lied to, betrayed, taken for granted and manipulated" when discussing his friendships after the arrest of Diddy and the conviction of his former co-star Danny Masterson. Nonetheless, his primary focus continues to be on his family, trust, and the nurturing of their children's Jewish upbringing.
Mila Kunis's heartfelt revelations reveal not only her personal transformation but also serve as reminders of the enduring strength found within cultural traditions. Her path from obscured cultural identity as a child to embracing and celebrating her Jewish faith as she raises her own family is truly inspiring, reflecting broader themes of acknowledgment, pride, and resilience.
