Natalie Portman Shines in Top Jewish Thanksgiving Episode

Apple TV+ recently aired the first episode of “Lady In The Lake,” a fascinating limited series directed by Alma Har’el and starring Natalie Portman. Set in 1966 Baltimore, the show follows the intertwined lives of two women, Maddie Schwartz and Cleo Johnson. Maddie is a Jewish housewife pursuing a journalism career, while Cleo is a hardworking Black mother striving for a better life.

The episode takes place on Thanksgiving Day and begins with Tessie Durst, an 11-year-old Jewish girl, feeling left out from the festive magic of the Thanksgiving parade. She questions her parents about Santa’s absence and learns that as Jews, they celebrate Hanukkah instead. This scene sets the stage for Tessie’s subsequent disappearance and intertwines themes of innocence and loss reminiscent of biblical stories.

Maddie’s journey in the episode includes encounters with the Baltimore Jewish community, showcased through her interactions at a kosher butcher shop where Yiddish banter adds warmth and authenticity to the narrative. Additional encounters include a poignant moment with Cleo, a Black woman working as a mannequin in a department store.

The episode beautifully captures the nuances of identity, community, and assimilation, with tensions arising when a Jewish holiday overlaps with a traditionally Gentile celebration like Thanksgiving. It prompts a deeper reflection on what it means to be Jewish in America, especially during the culturally transformative 1960s.

With a rich tapestry of characters and storylines, “Lady In The Lake” offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of Jewish life in Baltimore and explores themes of belonging, tradition, and cultural diversity. This Thanksgiving episode stands out as a compelling representation of the complexities of identity and the shared human experiences that bind us all together.