fbpx

J.J. Abrams talks about ‘Star Trek,’ being Jewish and interfaith marriage

I can honestly say I’ve never watched an episode of “Star Trek,” and yet I am amped for the release Friday of the latest silver screen reprisal of the classic sci-fi series. Watch the above preview and you’ll understand why anyone who likes a good story should go Trekkie.

The film is directed by J.J. Abrams of “Felicity,” “Alias” and “Lost” fame, and last week he spoke with Danielle Berrin. Here’s an excerpt:

JJ: You sound pretty levelheaded. What keeps you grounded?

JJA: Whenever I need a reminder that I’m just a lucky schmuck who gets to make movies, my wife is there to nudge me or slap the back of my head.

JJ: I don’t want to make any assumptions — because being Jewish in Hollywood means lots of different things — so I’ll just ask why people think you’re Jewish.

JJA: My name is Jeffrey Jacob Abrams — it’s a tough one to get around. My family wasn’t very religious, but I’m very proud of my heritage. My wife is Irish Catholic and it’s a fascinating thing having married someone who’s of a different religion, because you get to understand and see and respect another way of growing up and believing. That to me is interesting and healthy. I do consider myself Jewish, and I take my kids to services on holidays because that is something really important to me.

Did you enjoy this article?

You'll love our roundtable.

Enjoyed this article?

You'll love our roundtable.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Jewish Journal, 1880 Century Park East, Los Angeles, CA, 90067, https://www.jewishjournal.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Culture

Latest Articles
Latest

Beth Am Weekend, Rabbi Family Runs Marathon, Wise Groundbreaking

On Nov. 13, Stephen Wise Temple and Schools celebrated the start of a new era by breaking ground on the transformational Aaron Milken Center...

How to Kosher Your Thanksgiving

If you want to kosher your Thanksgiving, you have two choices. Eat vegetarian, or keep your sides and desserts parve. Whichever option you choose, the Jewish Journal has you covered.

Herzl’s Premature Death: “I Always Feel the Future Peering over My Shoulder”

The Jewish world was devastated by Theodor Herzl’s death in 1904 at the age of 44 – yet surprisingly confident that his legacy would persist.

The Eternal Hope of Israeli Art

For over 83 years, AICF has supported more than 18,000 Israeli artists and institutions including Itzhak Perlman and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Meet The Nosher—Cookbook Author Shannon Sarna

Imagine our surprise when Shannon Sarna from The Nosher noticed our little Instagram account back in May 2020: We were so impressed that someone with such a noteworthy public profile liked our food!

Hollywood

Podcasts

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

x
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap