I like Christmas.
There, I said it. This may be
surprising for some people to hear from a rabbi, and it may be misinterpreted
by others. But it's true. I like the feeling of this time of year. I enjoy the songs, the lights, watching
Charlie Brown and the Grinch, and especially the sense of good will that
exists.
I also like Chanukkah -- the gathering of family and friends, eating latkes (fried potato
pancakes), lighting the Chanukkah menorah (9-branched candelabrum), playing
dreidel (a spinning top game), and feeling a sense of warmth and light in the
coldest, darkest time of year.
But my enjoyment of both holidays does not mean that I see
them in the same way. It does not mean
that I view Chanukkah as the Jewish Christmas.
While enjoying aspects of both holidays, I am keenly aware of the
need for both Christians and Jews to maintain a distinction between the two
holidays, while also embracing a healthy respect for and appreciation of the
practices of the other's religion. And
this begins with a full understanding of what both holidays
celebrate.
It is not for me to expound on the true meaning of
Christmas. My Christian colleagues are
much more equipped to do so. But I do
know that the true religious significance of Christmas has little to do with
trees and presents, songs and holiday foods.
While these are lovely ways to enhance the enjoyment of a holiday, they
should not replace the spiritual lessons taught.
Similarly, Chanukkah is not about spinning tops, fried
foods and gift giving, though these are all fun customs. It is about the story of a small group of
Jews, the Maccabees, well over 2,000 years ago, winning the right to practice
their religion freely, symbolized by the rededication of the holy Temple
(“Chanukkah” means “dedication”). This
episode has nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas, and only happens
to fall at the same season because it was common to hold festivals of light at
this time of the year. Chanukkah is a
stirring story of freedom, but it nonetheless remains a minor festival in the
Jewish calendar. Its elevation to a
level of such prominence is due solely to the fact that it is marketed to
compete with Christmas from a commercial standpoint. And this speaks to a problem in our society
in general, as well as presenting a challenge for Christians, Jews and all people of faith alike.
I address this issue to a general audience, rather than
specifically to my congregation, because it is important for all
people of faith, whatever their religion or heritage, to reclaim the true
meaning of their holy days. Rather than
falsely seeking to unite ourselves through the idol of materialism, focusing on
the trappings of the various holidays, let us instead form a true bond with one
another by each celebrating our respective holy days and recognizing their real
significance. By doing so, we strengthen
our own religious conviction, and are then able to enjoy the beauty and
teachings of other faiths without feeling that our own faith is undermined.
I, for one, am opposed to calling a Christmas tree a holiday
tree; to Christians feeling
pressured to water down their religious beliefs because others may feel
offended. But I am also opposed to
anyone who believes that sharing proud displays of faith includes the right to impose such faith
on others. Celebrating Christmas, or
any holy day, should be encouraged, as long as it is done with the
understanding that we all choose to practice, or not practice, our faith in
different ways.
Ironically, Christmas helps reinforce the true
message of Chanukkah, just as the true message of Chanukkah strengthens the celebration of Christmas.
We are so fortunate in our community and country to have the freedom to
worship and celebrate freely. May we
appreciate this freedom by expressing ourselves appropriately, while also
embracing those of other faiths who choose to do the same, but in a different
way. By so doing, we will truly find
warmth and light at this season.
Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky
Temple Isaiah
Stony Brook
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