Natalie Portman Wins 'Jewish Nobel' Prize - Israel Today

Natalie Portman Wins 'Jewish Nobel' Prize

Wednesday, November 08, 2017 |  Israel Today Staff

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Hollywood A-lister Natalie Portman has been awarded the 2018 Genesis Prize, commonly referred to as the "Jewish Nobel."

The Genesis Prize is awarded to those who serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Jews through their outstanding professional achievement, commitment to Jewish values and to the Jewish people.

Past winners include violinist Itzhak Perlman, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actor Michael Douglas.

The award comes with a $1 million prize, which Portman reportedly intends to put toward projects advancing women's equality.

While far more liberal than the average Israeli voter, Portman has long been a favorite in the Jewish state.

She was born in Israel before moving to America at a young age. She began acting at the age of 12, and quickly became a Hollywood heavyweight.

Much of liberal Hollywood has often been hostile toward Israel, but Portman has unabashedly maintained fairly pro-Israel credentials, visiting the country often.

In a statement released after winning the award, Portman stressed that she is "proud of my Israeli roots and Jewish heritage."

The actual award ceremony will take place in June 2018.

PHOTO: Hadas Parush/Flash90

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Christians Across The Nation Are Countering The Anti-Trump Witch Spell - HELLO CHRISTIAN

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Denzel Washington: God 'Had Faith in Me' - CALLISTA RING/MRC NEWSBUSTERS CHARISMA NEWS

Actor Denzel Washington speaks at the Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills, California. (REUTERS/David McNew)

Denzel Washington: God 'Had Faith in Me'

10/27/2016 CALLISTA RING/MRC NEWSBUSTERS CHARISMA NEWS

Join us on the new C-Pop podcast where Taylor and Jessilyn discuss, debate and sometimes deride pop culture with a strong sense of humor and a focus on Christ. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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Did you know that Hollywood actor Denzel Washington considered becoming a Christian pastor?

According to Faithwire, the A-list actor whose father was a Pentecostal minister thought about preaching despite hating church as a child. Today, Washington has no qualms about his Christian faith. He has been a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ for over 30 years and professed that he prays and reads the Bible every day

Washington recalled from his childhood, "Because we had to go to church, I hated it. ... I rejected it in my early teen years, when you're working stuff out." Additionally, due to his father's pastoral role, Washington was barred from watching most Western films. Thus the only movies from his childhood he remembers are Bible epics such as King of Kings and The Ten Commandments.

Despite his sheltered childhood, Washington has held roles in a dynamic collection of films including American Gangster, The Equalizer and Training Day.

And of course, he no longer shies away from Christianity, and instead is quick to identify the impact it has had on his life. At a Christian charity event in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington attested, "There's never been a time (when) God didn't direct, protect and correct me."

Washington's career aspirations ranged from studying pre-med, to political science and pre-law, to journalism, before he finally settled on acting. A Christianity Today article reported that Washington "chooses roles that he can bend in the direction of a positive message or a reflection of his deep personal faith."

"Give thanks for blessings every day. Everyday. Embrace gratitude. Encourage others. It is impossible to be grateful and hateful at the same time," Washington remarked at a charity event.

What a refreshing message from a man who lives out his Christian faith despite the secular influence of Hollywood. 

This article originally appeared on newsbusters.org.

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