By Diana's blog | December 02, 2010 at 11:31 AM EST | 1 comment
Happy Hannukah or whatever. I say this because I really can't understand the competition between Channukah and Christmas. We don't try and compare Chanukkah with Diwali or the Tet holidays. Maybe they do in India and Vietnam, but I think the whole thing is silly. Here are my politically incorrect views on the subject. ...don't hate me...
First, I am happy for Christians to celebrate Christmas. There is no reason to diminish their holiday by comparing it to a relatively minor Jewish Holiday. After all, how can you compare the birth of their savior with the victory of yet another war?
Second, I feel no compunction to compare my religious celebrations with other religion's celebrations. I can't imagine the Christian response to Sukkot. "Oh yeah, those Jews build temporary huts to celebrate the harvest, well then we will build a Costco every year to celebrate abundance." Its silly.
Third, everyone should teach their children and themselves to be comfortable in their own skin. How can you do that when you are putting up a "Hanukkah Bush" (not sure if that is a presidential salute or something more obscene).
Fourth, I feel bad for Jews who only acknowledge any education or identity once a year - and only in response to a competition. Its more important to keep some level of awareness and education during the year. Not in a preachy way, but to let yourselves and your children know who you are and what your values are. Don't give into the seasonal guilt!
I don't want to sound like I'm on a soapbox. I think everyone should adopt a lifestyle they feel comfortable with - just with some forethought and not as an afterthought.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on the holiday season. It's all good, whether you are eating Chanukkah food or feasting on Christmas dinner.
Ah Chanukah, the holiday that everyone says falls \"around Christmas\" but actually occurred hundreds of years earlier so actually Christmas falls around Chanukah.
Ah Chanukah the post biblical minor holiday traditionally associated with fried foods and the lighting of a Chanukiah but now is associated with \'must get each child a gift for each of 8 nights\'.
While I love the opportunity to spoil my niece and nephew once a year (yes even more than for their birthday\'s). We adults try to focus on charitable giving rather than exchanging gifts. Boy does that take the pressure off.
Diana, you hit the nail on the head. We as Jews need to do a much better job of education so that the important holidays Pesach, Sukot and Shavuot get the attention they deserve.
Hugs for a happy Chanukah,
Aaron