Christmas and Chanukah

[cellio]

Two takes on multiculturalism and December holidays, both written by liberal Jews, with rather different stances: one from JBCs (Jews by Choice) and one from the Velveteen Rabbi. I myself tend more toward the former; when we try to combine holidays with the goal of better interfaith relations, I think we weaken both. Christmas is the second most important day on the Christian calendar; it should be important and solemn for those who believe, and not be treated as somehow equivalent to a minor Jewish holiday commemorating, of all things, a victory over assimilation. (Think about that irony for a minute.) If I find myself in the midst of Christian affirmation, which to me includes everything from a mass down to singing Handel's Messiah, they should do their thing and I should withdraw [1]. We shouldn't have to compromise on "Frosty the Snowman" or a theme of light in the darkest days of winter.

Cross-religion education is a good thing, and I think most people would welcome serious inquiries from people of different faiths if they want to know more (or even attend services or other rituals). I've certainly participated on both sides of that and seen no problems. But I think we should remember that our religions are separate; they have different emphases and that's ok. We don't have to agree, and we don't have to try to build a lowest common denominator.

To my Christian friends, I wish you the best in your season of holiness now under way, as I know you wish similar things for me during the high holy days and at other times. I'm not offended by your observance of your religion; you don't need to water it down. Besides, the dreidel song is really insipid; please don't feel obligated on my account.

(Mind, I would have a different reaction to celebrations in a setting that's supposed to be neutral, like a public school or a place of (secular) employment. But that's not what I'm talking about here.)

[1] Some do not see a problem with things like singing Messiah. We all draw the "worship" line in different places.

Comments

[cellio]

any given Sabbath is more important than Chanukah (and some other holidays, besides)

*ding ding ding ding ding*

I'm reminded of the following story: during the crusades, a virtuous Jew is despairing. After pouring his heart out in prayer, he is visited by Eliyahu, who tries to comfort him. The man asks "will we ever be accepted?" and in answer, Eliyahu carries him forward in time. They land in December in present-day Manhattan, and amidst all the Christmas decorations the man sees many chanukiyot and stars of david and bright lights and other Jewish symbols. The man gets very excited and responds: "Wow, that's great! If they make such a big deal out of Channukah, I can't wait to see what they do for Shavuot!"

[nsingman.livejournal.com]

Oh, good one! :-)

I have a few Jewish colleagues (not all of them, to be fair) who do make a very big deal about Chanukah, but don't actually know what Shavuot is.

[cellio]

Yeah, me too. The most effective jokes are the ones that can pinpoint these kernels of truth. :-)

Some of the Jews I knew who make a big deal over Chanukah are explicitly reacting to Christmas -- sort of a "hey, we can play that game too" sort of thing. Pity they'd rather do that than channel that energy into building up a neglected major holiday, but oh well.

*ding ding ding ding ding*

[cecerose.livejournal.com]

Bingo. god. I'm so glad I"m not the only one who feels this way. Yeesh.