I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And

Host: The soft glow of a single lamp lights up the room, casting a warm and intimate atmosphere. Outside, the city hums quietly in the background, the sound of passing cars muffled by the thick curtains. Inside, Jeeny and Jack sit in their usual spots—Jeeny on the couch, a book in her lap, and Jack by the window, his back against the frame, looking out into the world with a faraway expression. The conversation lingers in the air, waiting for a gentle push to bring it forward.

Jeeny: (her voice calm, but with a thoughtful edge) “You ever think about how identity shapes how people interact with the world? Especially during the holidays, when everything seems to center around a particular tradition?”

Jack: (without turning, his voice slightly dry, but curious) “Like Christmas? Yeah, it’s everywhere. Can’t escape it, really. People seem to think everyone’s just on board with all of it—the decorations, the songs, the whole thing.”

Jeeny: (nodding, a small smile tugging at her lips) “Exactly. And Ben Stein said something interesting about it. He said, ‘I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against.’”

Jack: (turning slightly to face her now, his eyes narrowing, but with a hint of curiosity in his voice) “So, you think that’s how it should be? Just let people celebrate how they want and not take it personally, even when it’s a holiday that’s not yours?”

Jeeny: (her voice firm, yet gentle) “Yes, I think it’s about accepting the reality of the world around you without feeling attacked. Ben Stein’s perspective makes sense to me. It’s about not letting other people’s traditions—especially ones that are celebrated everywhere—make you feel like you’re excluded or less than. Instead of focusing on what doesn’t align with your beliefs, focus on what you can embrace in the moment.”

Host: The air between them is filled with a quiet tension, like the pause before the rain hits. Jeeny’s words hang in the balance, and Jack seems to be weighing them carefully, his stance shifting slightly, the skepticism in his posture softening. The soft flicker of the lamp seems to pulse in time with the growing quiet.

Jack: (his voice thoughtful, a little softer now) “But don’t you think there’s a line? I mean, sure, it’s nice to let things go, but at what point do you stop letting others dictate the narrative? If I’m surrounded by something that doesn’t represent who I am, don’t I have the right to feel uncomfortable with it?”

Jeeny: (her voice calm, but with quiet conviction) “I think you absolutely have the right to feel however you feel, Jack. But feeling uncomfortable doesn’t mean you have to hold onto that discomfort. There’s a difference between acknowledging your discomfort and letting it define how you view the world. In Ben Stein’s case, he’s saying that he’s not going to let something as simple as the presence of a Christmas tree take away his peace. He’s choosing not to be threatened by it.”

Jack: (looking out the window again, his voice quieter this time) “I guess that’s where I struggle. It’s hard not to feel like you’re being overlooked, or like your identity is being erased, when everyone else is celebrating something that doesn’t reflect you. It’s hard not to feel like you're on the outside.”

Jeeny: (leaning forward slightly, her voice gentle, yet filled with empathy) “I understand that, Jack. But maybe what Ben Stein is saying is that your identity isn’t defined by the world’s celebrations. It’s defined by how you choose to see yourself and what you value. The presence of a Christmas tree doesn’t take away from who you are, unless you let it. It’s about finding peace in your own beliefs and not feeling the need to be offended by something that doesn’t personally threaten you.”

Host: The room grows quieter now, the conversation turning inward as both of them consider the deeper meaning of what Jeeny has said. The soft murmur of the world outside seems to fade as the stillness between them deepens. Jack’s posture shifts, his shoulders relaxing slightly, and Jeeny sits back, watching him with a quiet understanding.

Jack: (with a soft sigh, his voice introspective) “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s about not letting things outside my control get to me. Maybe it’s about choosing not to feel excluded or offended, but to just let people celebrate in their own way and focus on what matters to me.”

Jeeny: (nodding, her eyes warm with understanding) “Exactly. When you let go of the need to react, you create space for your own peace. You don’t have to accept everything, but you can choose how you respond.”

Host: The silence in the room deepens as both of them let the weight of the conversation settle between them. The city outside continues its gentle rhythm, but inside, the conversation has opened a new perspective—one of acceptance, of letting go of unnecessary discomfort, and choosing peace over resistance.

In that quiet space, Jeeny and Jack find common ground, understanding that identity isn’t something defined by the world around you, but by the way you choose to carry it.