The 6 Most Popular Jewish Celebs

The menorah, yamaka and Star of David are some of the most recognizable signs of Judaism. While those signs are easy to spot in any setting, not everyone who's part of the Jewish faith realizes that one of their favorite celebs is as well. 

To give you an idea of some of the big names that share your faith, here are six of the most popular Jewish celebs: 

Natalie Portman 

In the 2005 book Stars of David, Natalie Portman was one of several dozen notable public personalities who openly discussed her thoughts on Judaism and the role it's played throughout her life. While her husband has not converted to Judaism, she has stated on multiple occasions that she plans to raise her kids within the Jewish faith. 

Adam Sandler 

Recently, Sandler has had a few stumbles at the box office. But with the upcoming release of Grown Ups 2, it looks like he will be returning to the top. And even though a few of his latest movies haven't fared well at the box office, the fact that he has a lifetime box office gross of over $2 billion means he will continue to receive plenty of support from studios for his movies. In addition to his box office power, one of the reasons he's on this list is thanks to his classic The Chanukah Song, complete with a reference to putting on a yamaka.

Daniel Radcliffe 

Many people are actually surprised to learn that Radcliffe is Jewish. Not only are many people surprised by that fact, but it can also be hard to believe that a 23 year old who's parents were a literary and casting agent already has a reported net worth of $80 million. 

Dustin Hoffman 

Since he used to be discreet about his faith, you probably won't find a picture online of Dustin Hoffman wearing a yamaka. Fortunately, thanks to the continued success he's enjoyed, he's now comfortable talking about his faith in public interviews. 

Woody Allen 

Since the beginning of his career all the way back in 1950, Judaism has played a role in Allen's comedy. With over forty films under his belt, Allen has enjoyed a career that most actors, directors and writers could only dream of. What's truly impressive is at the age of 75, he got to enjoy the best box office performance of his career thanks to Midnight in Paris. 

James Franco 

Of every celeb on this list, James Franco may be the most polarizing. The reason is while some people love his easygoing sense of humor and the fact that he always seems to be juggling a dozen different projects a time, other people can't stand anything about his brand of humor. Even though he's probably aware of the large number of detractors he has, judging by his performance in This is the End, it doesn't appear that he's ever going to let their negativity get under his skin. 

If you were worried that the Jewish faith was underrepresented in the celebrity world, now you know that there are plenty of very successful celebs who identify with Judaism.

Don Schlossberg is an orthodox jewish rabbi, avid writer and published poet. In his spare time he can be found spending time in the great outdoors with his family and living a kosher lifestyle.

Image Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Pregnant Celebrity Parents of 2011

Nothing gains as much interest as a celebrity couple on the pregnancy train. Is it her real father? What’s the newborns name?

Nothing gains as much interest as a celebrity couple on the pregnancy train. Is it her real father? What’s the newborns name? Will the nine other adopted children be jealous of the biological child? It’s all so much more interesting than your everyday Mary Sue pregnancy down the street.

Beyoncé Knowles

Probably one of the most talked about pregnancies this year. Her due date is at the end of January and she doesn’t want to tell if it’s going to be a boy or a girl. This will be her first child and so far, she’s glowing like a sunbeam.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is also under the spotlight with her new born baby son. She recently starred in Black Swan and she, along with fiancé is Benjamin Millepied, won’t release the name of their baby boy. The world is waiting in anticipation!

Evangeline Lily

This popular Lost actress recently brought her first baby boy into the world. Evangeline is very shy about her private life and tries to live normally. The baby’s name hasn’t been revealed yet but fans all agree that she, boyfriend Norman Kali and their baby son look as happy as can be.

Victoria and David Beckham

Victoria finally let slip that the baby is going to be a girl. She commented at the LA Galaxy gathering “obviously we’re very lucky to be expecting again, and this is the first time I’m going to say it: it’s a little girl.” Victoria and David have been under the spotlight recently for their relationship problems but it seems as if they’ve worked everything out. The happy couple stated that the boys are excited and happy about their sister.

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren

Jessica Alba and her husband Cash Warren are expecting another bundle of joy. Jessica certainly gave her first daughter an interesting name, Honor, and it’s no wonder with a husband named Cash! Jessica recently announced on Facebook that she was thrilled about her little girl and thanked all of her fans, friends and family. Jessica Alba was nominated number one on a list of the 99 most desirable women in 2006. She certainly kept her figure after the pregnancy with Honor, and most likely will with the new girl on the way too. Women all over the world are jealous Jessica!

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz recently replaced Keira Knightley in the latest Pirates of the Caribbean saga and although she’s a busy career woman, she still manages to make time for her family. Last July she played a quick card and married Javier Bardem in the beautiful Bahamas. Recently Penelope Cruz gave birth to a healthy little boy but the secretive couple haven’t released a name for him just yet. Rumours are floating around, however, that it might be Leo.

Hopefully they will get enough privacy and time to grow as a family and be spared the ugly scathing words from some of the publishers and media hooligans on the prowl these days!

Ruan Smit is an experienced online content writer who enjoys writing about various topics such as natural health practice,health food,nhp omega 3 plus and baby food.

8 Completely Random Celebrity Facts

There is a lot more to celebrity personalities than just what they show you in People magazine.

Why are we so interested in the comings and goings of celebrities? Probably because the news makes their lives seem more dramatic and filling than our own. There is a lot more to celebrity personalities than just what they show you in People magazine.

Here are some random celebrity facts that not only entertain, but gives you extra insight into some of your favorite actors:

1. Natalie Portman speaks Hebrew. Born in Jerusalem to a Jewish father and American mother, this Queen Amadala actress speaks fluent Hebrew. And as you can imagine, her last name isn't really Portman, but Hershlag, reflecting her Middle Eastern roots. And what's more, she is incredibly smart. In 2003 she graduated from Harvard university with a degree in Psychology.
2. Nicholas Cage or Nicholas Coppola? This National Treasure star is the nephew of famous director Francis Ford Coppola. When Nicholas decided to break into the acting business, he was so determined to do it on his own that he changed his last name so he wouldn't be associated with his famous uncle.
3. Elton John and Hercules. What do Elton John and Hercules have in common? Honestly, I have no idea, but apparently Elton John thought so, which is why he legally changed his middle name to Hercules. And don't forget to note that Elton Johns full name and title is Sir Elton Hercules John since he was knighted by the queen of England back in 1996.
4. Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo. Kevin Clash, most famous for his puppeteering skills and distinct Elmo voice, also happened to be the voice and face for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leader Master Splinter in the non-animated movie. Clash started building puppets at the age of 10 and has been puppeteering ever since.
5. Elvis was a Blond. Unlike the other celebrities mentioned, Elvis didn't live in our time, yet his influence is still felt. Nothing is more famous than his cocky grin, sparkling blue eyes, and perfect, wavy brunette hair. There's only one problem, Elvis was a blond! When he was in high school he started dying his hair black and continued for the rest of his life.
6. Jack Nicholson's little misunderstanding. It wasn't until he was well into adulthood that Jack Nicholson found out that the woman he thought was his mother was his grandmother, and that his supposed “sister” was really his mom, and that his other “sister” was actually his aunt. It was a bit of a shock, but didn't keep his acting career from progressing!
7. Tim the Inmate Taylor. Tim Allen spent 28 months in prison for drug dealing before he broke into acting. To shorten his sentence, he pled guilty and named the names of other drug dealers.
8. Pierce Brosnan's unique diet. At the age of 16, Pierce Brosnan left school to study painting, but ended up learning how to be a fire eater instead. He worked in a circus for three years practicing this steamy art.

About the Author

Tiffani Azani is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers provides tools and services to help prospective students connect with online colleges. Online degrees are available at any level, from an associate's degree toonline mba programs.

The Celebrities’ Designer Choice This Year

Celebrities have been known to be responsible for surges of demand of particular brands and products and it has been no different with sunglasses this summer.

Celebrities have been shopping in their forces to get hold of the must have sunglasses for this summer. True to form, they are designer and come with the associated price tag, but if you’re into looking your best and having a piece of the celebrity lifestyle, then sunglasses are a great place to start.

Tell me! What sunglasses?

The celebs have been chasing one brand more than others this year. Miu Miu glasses have been flying off the store shelves in record numbers. Miu Miu, famed for their bags carried by celebrities such as Fearne Cotton, Kate Bosworth and Natalie Portman. Miu Miu also have a full range of ready to wear womenswear, but don’t be fooled, the brand have a strong focus on their eyewear department. The Miu Miu frames embody classic chic and have propelled the oversized sunglasses trend to a new level.

Who’s been wearing them?

Photos of Kate Moss, Rachel McAdams, Ashley Olsen, Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba have all come in this year of these high fashion celebrities hiding behind their oversized Miu Miu frames. With countless celebrities endorsing the brand, it’s easy to see how Miu Miu are now competing against brands such as Chanel, which had such a large share of this market previously.

Tell me more about the actual glasses!

Well, there a variety of models available, all in the premium price category. The Miu Miu must haves are competing with Prada, Chanel and Gucci to be the top selling sunglasses on the market. Luckily for Prada though, who own Miu Miu, are starting to see significant revenue being brought in for the group. If you want to be specific, Paris Hilton chooses the MU021S frames which are the peak of oversized trend. They come in a variety of different hues to suit any colour palette you plan to be wearing this season.

Should I make the investment?

Although pricey, Miu Miu eyewear is timeless and supports the overall oversized trend, rather than a specific niche of it. This means a pair of designer sunglasses are likely to stay ‘hot’ for seasons to come, and the outstanding quality is sure to keep them protecting your eyes and making you look good for years after purchase. Like ‘dogtooth’ and quality luggage items, good sunglasses will stand the test of time. Due to their popularity, you can luckily find Miu Miu frames in a variety of outlets across the country, and online for the best prices. It could be time to treat yourself and in what better way?

About the Author: Francesca is an amateur model and fashion writer specialising in designer glasses.

Natalie Portman: MMM... yummy!

Natalie Portman was licking her lips when leaving her hotel in London.

"Goya's Ghosts" Prague Premiere

Natalie Portman is in Prague promoting her new movie "Goya's Ghosts" directed by Prague-born Oscar-winning film director Milos Forman, who lives in the USA.

Among the stars invited to the premire there are Natalie Portman and Javier Bardem, scriptwriter Jean-Claude Carriere and producer Saul Zaentz.

The film is about famous French artist Goya and his muse Ines (Natalie Portman) fighting for their lives during the French Revolution