MELVILLE, New York — Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and his Israeli wife (singer and model Daniella Pick) just welcomed their first child. The couple have a home in the affluent Tel Aviv neighborhood of Ramat Aviv Gimel, and Tarantino, who plans to learn Hebrew, says that Israel is now his home. Tarantino recently won the Golden Globe award for Best Screenplay for the film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, and in his speech, he addressed his wife who was at home awaiting the birth of their child, saying, “todah, geveret,” meaning, “thank you, ma’am.” How did Tarantino and his wife spend Christmas/Chanukkah at their Israeli home this past December?
A. Watching the 1947 holiday classic comedy-drama Miracle on 34th Street. The movie tells of a Macy’s Santa Claus named Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn) who claims he really is Santa Claus, leading to a trial to prove his sanity and verify his claim, ultimately restoring faith to those around him.
B. Watching the 1946 holiday classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. In the film, starring James Stewart, a suicidal George Bailey’s life is saved through the intervention of his guardian angel, ending with George surrounded by his loving family and singing Auld Lang Syne.
C. Watching the 2000 animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The movie, based on the book by Dr. Seuss, stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch who decides to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville. However, his encounter with six-year-old Cindy Lou Who ultimately leads him to an epiphany and a renewed understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.
D. Watching the 1997 animated version of A Christmas Carol, about a miserly businessman, Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Tim Curry). Scrooge is led on a journey by three ghosts looking at his past life, his present life, and his future life, leading him to self-redemption and a recognition of the joy of giving.
E. Watching the 1994 holiday classic movie Pulp Fiction. The beloved family film revolves around hitmen Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield (John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson) in a series of violent, bloody, horrifying stories of murder, rape, drug overdosing, accidental killings, and a Twist dance contest, bringing Christmas joy to all involved.
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Mark Zimmerman is the author of a series of Jewish trivia books, under the title RASHI, RAMBAM and RAMALAMADINGDONG: A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts & Fun.