Is Christmas Good For the Jews?

Rabbi Blech, Excellent article! I agree with every word you wrote! Sometimes learning about other cultures teaches us about our own. Why we do not believe in Christmas can and often is the first sep towards a Jewish education for Jews with little knowledge of their own faith. BTW--in reponse to comment #36, Rabbi Blech is not encouraging us to *celebrate* Christmas! Rather, he is just trying to point out a fact that other religions celebrating Christmas is not a threat to the Jews if the Jews are armed with anough knowledge about their own religion and observe the mitzvot. On a final note, this may sound awful but in a way I have more in common with religious Christians than with secular Jews. As an Orthodox Jew proud of her heritage, I feel blessed to have wonderful friends in my life, many of whom are also religious Jews, but of many other faiths as well. EVERY person, Jewish or not, is created in the image of Hashem and must be treated with dignity and respect. Shabbat Shalom!

Very enjoyable article.

Ateism - or rejecting God - is the biggest sin ever! It is like an artifact rejects his creator or someone his parents. No one tries to push down religion on someones throat, not even the Muslims, and less the Jews: you, on your own, must be convinced that God - the supreme Creator - exist. You can believe or not, as you can do good things or bad ones: this is because He created us with free will and not as programmed robots- it would be very simple and without any reason. He is invisible, but you can see all His wonderful things He created for us, from the stars on a summer night sky, till the smallest flower on your garden. Just think about..

I want to say thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this subject. As a Christian and a Holocaust educator who teaches both the anti-Semitism of the Church as well as the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, I respect the Jewish view of Christianity that cannot help but be informed by 2,000 years of anti-Jewish theology, legislation, and, tragically, anti-Jewish behavior. My presentation of the Holocaust is from a critical perspective which emphasizes the notion that although it might be argued that Christianity did not "cause" the Shoah, per se, the Third Reich would likely not have been able to succeed with its “Final Solution” without the 2,000 years of Christian teaching that preceded its rise to leadership in Germany. Having studied the history of Christian anti-Semitism for so long, I understand and respect the reasoning behind seeing the occasion of Christmas – especially given the sad fact of its commercial exploitation over time – as an inspiration to dig deeper into one’s own faith, almost as a form of “spiritual resistance,” so to speak. I, too, recoil at the increasing barbarism of the event, and take care to guard the hearts of my own sons from the effects of its exploitation. Christians, too, can be assimilated too far into secular culture if not vigilant to recognize its threat. Guarding one’s spirit from the effects of cultural degeneration and assimilation into it takes much vigilance these days. Again, thank you for getting beyond the obvious through such a reasonable approach to the matter. Warm regards, Dan Hennessy

It is important to be able to accept the culture and the celebrations of other countries. Not that one has to actually join in but there is no reason that there can't be different restaurants in the same city. If one can not bear the sight of other cultures, why travel? Go hide in your house. At the time of redemption each nation will choose THEIR OWN princes.

I think that it is confusing to a child when a family mixes the holidays. A Jew should NEVER EVER celebrate Xmas {according to Halacha it is not permissible for a Jew to engage in a gentile religions observance}. I agree that some faith is better than no faith at all. But to suggest that Jews should teach their children the non-Jewish observance is completely wrong. Read RAMBAMS Mishne Torah Avodah Kacham Chapter 10 for more information regarding these halachas. It is fine for a Jew to wish Happy Holidays to a gentile in order to keep the peace, but he should not engage in the religious observance of the holiday nor mention the name of the false deity. I am perplexed by Rabbi Blech would suggest to Jews that it is OK to raise our children with Xmas... Most Rabbaim I know say the exact opposite.

Let's all be in Shul! Xmas Eve is a Friday night and Xmas day is Saturday! We dont always agree, but this is well written Rabbi Blech.

You sound like the Muslims pushing religion down peoples throat, if somebody wont's to be a non religious person even if they come from a Jewish families and they wont to be atheists it's they right!

While Christians may no longer blame the crucification of their god on Jews, Mormons have not. Their bible teaches them that Jews have done many horrific things to non-Jews throughout history and that Jews are responsible for the death of their god. This was recently told to me during a conversation with my niece, who married a Mormon and is raising their children in the Mormon church. She explained to me that the Mormons go to cemetaries to convert dead people, especially Jews, so they can have eternal life in heaven. They believe that is the only way people get to heaven. I enjoyed reading your article very much as I do all the Aish articles but this is the first I have commented on because of this one issue. I am very tolerant with my niece because she is my only one and was like a daughter to me. It is difficult to live with the words she spoke to me but I do. I have a wonderful Rabbi who has helped me through a very difficult issue. Thank you for your article and for taking the time to read my comment. B'Shalom Joan Small

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As the adult child of a secular Jewish father and a Christian mother, we always celebrated Christmas growing up. But now, as I am discovering, primarily from this website, the history and beliefs of half of who I am, I see no reason for me (and my Christian husband who is learning from me), my grown children and granddaughter to not celebrate both. If it weren't for the events and victory of the Chanukah story, neither faith would be where it is today and paganism might have run amok. My little granddaughter is going to grow up knowing the beauty of both faiths (and she will be wise enough to know when to say Happy Chanukah or Merry Christmas). And a sincere thank you to commenter #1.

Thanks for a beautiful article Rabbi Blech. I find nothing in it that compares Chanukah to Christmas, nor Judiasm with Christianity. Rather, it is an encouragement to dig deeper into your faith, learn more about your roots, and figure out the difference between deed and creed.

It must be difficult to live in certain countries if that nation has a religious majority other than our own. I was raised mostly Christian. I always knew I had Jewish ancestry from both parents, and I became aware of the reasons that Jewish heritage was mostly concealed. It saddens me that those things happened. Only as an adult have I had the privilege to attempt to connect with my ancestral heritage. I know Israel allows freedom of religion but I wonder if it is odd for religious people other than Jews during Jewish Holidays in Israel as it is for Jews in America and Europe during Christian Holidays? We may forget how difficult it is to maintain one’s identity when living in a country that’s foundation began by people who favored one religion over the other if we live in a nation that predominately favors the religion we relate to. Non-Muslims in Muslim countries, non-Christians in Christian countries, non-Jews in Israel, all must struggle during certain Holidays. I think it is natural during special times of the year to want to share greetings of joy and celebration with those around us. My husband is from India and though he and I share common religion his family does not; they are mostly Hindu. I never feel offended when they send cards or verbalize greetings during their religious Holidays, I know they are not wishing to offend or convert me; I know it is a gesture of kindness. When there is illness or problems we offer to pray for one another. I don’t believe in their gods, but I appreciate that they care enough for me that they make time to pray for me, and they appreciate that about me. I think opposing views can remind us of who we are more powerfully than simply our daily existence. Evil and hatred should never be tolerated; kindness and consideration of one another should be the foundation of every Holy Day.

http://www.simpletoremember.com/media/a/Real-Story-of-X-mas-and-New-Years-b/

Thanks for this article. I enjoy the contrast between the street and shops colorful decorations, the music, etc. and the gloomy atmosphere of winter. I even accept and return "Merry Christmas" wishes because they're well meant, even though I don't believe in it. It is also interesting to know that most Christians don't know that they're actually celebrating the continuation of an ancient pagan feast: the winter solstice.

I'm surprised to see the comments on this, written with (at least, a little) hate or resentment. I agree that Chanukah should not be compared to Christmas, and that the amount of Christmas advertising and what-not is quite overdone in the states. I also agree with Judy, who simply says "Same to you" when told "Merry Christmas". I have always felt that the only thing likely to convert our children to a different faith, is our own lack of faith, knowledge, and practice of Judaism. If you spend Shabbat with your family, smiling, singing, and teaching them why we observe it and why we are special and blessed with it, you won't need to worry. I am Jewish by blood, but was raised in a Christian family that attended church, but was not observant outside of its walls. This left me wanting more and finding Judaism (before I ever learned of my family's history). Maybe it was the "Jewish Soul" inside me, maybe it was my parents' own lack of "Christianity" in the home. Daven with your children, read them the book of Jonah when it's not Yom Kippur. go to Shul, have an Oneg Shabbat, teach them Hebrew and why it is special. If your children are immersed in Judaism with pride and joy, no Santa, pine tree, or carolers will make them want to convert. Christians put away the trees and lights when December ends and they don't pull them back out for 11 months. Jews bring the lights out every week (along with the wine and bread!). Respect your neighbors, as we are all Noah's children, and treat each day as a miracle given to us by haShem.

Once again I find yet another article discussing the Chanukah-Christmas "connection". There is no connection! You know the saying "you can take the Jew out of the Diaspora but can’t take Diaspora out of the Jew" is truer today than ever before. The fact that there are no pogroms in America today is just a matter of your present history. We don’t know what is to come. I understand that as American Jews you are always worried about dual loyalties, but there is no reason to bend over backwards trying to find connections and good things to say about the some-times juxtaposition of these two holidays. Chanukah is a holiday of small things: a small pot of oil, of candle lighting in the home. This is not a holiday found in the Torah. Jewish kids, like all kids, are smart. They know when you are lying to them or when you try to convince them of something you don't believe yourself. Comparison is not the best teaching tool. If you want to teach about Chanukah – just do that. There is no comparison between these holidays; just as there can be no comparison between Ramadan, Lent or Aseret Yimay Tshuvah. Jews should not have to celebrate 'being the same' in order to feel part of the mainstream. Stop trying to make Chanukah into what it is not and start teaching Jewish kids Jewish history, holidays and values. Stop teaching through comparison. This way we in Israel will not have to send over our kids over to American Universities, as shlechim, in order to try and help Jewish kids counteract all the hate they experience in there. There is a mountain of hate there and no "Merry Christmas" is going to counteract that!

I have never celebrated x-mas my whole life, since childhood, my parents taught me about these pagan festivals. Am now grown up and am teaching other children what X-mas is all about. We usually refer to it as X-mas (something non-existent)

It is always a good thing to focus on those things that we can agree upon rather than our differences.

As someone who was raised Christian (but thinking of converting to Judaism) and as a member of a church belonging to the organization of Christians united for Israel & a church "returning to it's 'Hebraic roots'", I strongly believe Jews have much more to "fear" from evangelizing Christians then from your typical atheist, agnostic, or "secular Christian". If you need "motivation" to practice Judaism, why not let your incentive be your fear of "secularism". Most atheists and/or "secular" people I know have a greater tolerance or greater love for Jews, than many Christians. Their teachings, their writings, their actions almost brought me to faithlessness. It was a book titled "Where Judaism Differs", that first opened my eyes.

I agree with some of what the author writes and disagree with other things. I agree that it's silly to take offense if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas. They're just trying to be friendly, and the fact is that most people in this country celebrate Christmas. I see no reason to retort that I'm Jewish; I just say, "Same to you," and leave it at that. Here in the States and Canada, I would agree that a religious Christian is much less of a threat to Judaism than is a secularist, particularly an ardent atheist. That would not, however, be the case for most of history. As the author points out himself, religious Christians constituted the major threat to Jews for centuries. I particularly disagree with the author's intimating that Chanuka is "the Jewish alternative to Christmas." Christmas is a beautiful NON-JEWISH holiday, and I wish all my Christian friends a wonderful and joyous Christmas. Chanuka, however, has nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas other than the time of year. In fact, Chanuka is all about maintaining the integrity of the Jewish religion, not only against the likes of Antiochus, but also against the hellenization that was rampant among Jews at that time. In other words, the Macabees fought against assimilation, and to link Chanuka, of all holidays, to a non-Jewish holiday is to deny its very essence. Sure it's lovely to put up decorations for a holiday. Build a sukkah and decorate to your heart's content. And while we're at it, if you want to give your kids expensive presents, why not do so for finding the afikomen? It pains me greatly to see Chanuka turned into a kind of Jewish Christmas or even "the Jewish alternative to Christmas." It is no such thing.

when goyim say to me "merry xmas", i respond with a happy chanukah". they in turn respond with , "i'm not jewish". i in turn say i' m not christian. my wife says, i'm too harsh, they only mean well. after all the years of putting up with anti-semites, i have had it up to my nose. i refuse to be p.c. for the goyem.

I always say "Merry Christmas" to Christians, Catholic and Protestant. I also say, when they say, "Happy Holidays" to me that it's perfectly fine for them to say "Happy Chanukah." Give respect and demand it!

Rabbi Blech, thank you for putting this in writing. Sums up my attitude exactly, and I am surprised at how many of our fellow Orthodox Jews feel differently about this...

I think Christmas is the time of year I get to "stand out" as a religious Jew. Sometimes gentiles where I work appear surprised when I tell them I don't celebrate Christmas because they can't imagine anyone celebrates something else. I do agree that Jews very often want to "blend in" because we are a minority but it sends mixed messages to children.

As Rabbi Blech says, it is not those of other faiths that Jews & Christians are threatened by, but the aggressive secular humanism which seeks to destroy every faith & establish rigid atheism in schools & everywhere. As a Christian, like Allen above, I rejoice in the relationship that God has always sought with mankind & revealed right at the start in Genesis & handed on in the Bible so carefully preserved by our Jewish forebears. Thank you.

One may argue that Jesus, a Jew, was the most influential person in world history. Like that of George Washington, Abe Lincoln and Martin Luther King perhaps Jews can celebrate Christmas as a secular birthday.

I'm Jewish, and although I do NOT celebrate Christmas, I love the season and I am very happy to greet Christians with a "Merry Christmas!" (I do not see them as idol worshippers. So why not?) If people wish me a Merry Christmas, I feel warm inside and why would I be insulted? If a Christian went to Israel during Hanukkah or Shavuot, should they be insulted for being included in our Jewish holiday greetings? Jews come in all shapes and colors, so do Christians. It is time for Christians to be tolerant of Judaism, but I believe most Jews also are tolerant of Christianity (see the beauty in it), and feel quite okay with being greeted with a cheerful "Merry Christmas," although Santa won't come to our house :)

Dear Rabbi: As a Catholic myself, I was very pleased to read these words, you're so right, there are enemies far greater than other religions (like atheism for instance) and this season's introspection also applies to us, Santa Claus and the tree are pagan customs (not Catholic/Christian at all), we should look up on how much we know and act as our Law teaches us. That's the reality of the Catholic liturgy. Santa and the rest are just representations that are cute and might be positive, but we should dig into our respective roots, instead of getting carried away with the season.

I totally agree with the Rabbi. This is a wonderful time of the year. We should appreciate the good will and kindness experienced in December rather than resent public displays of Christmas trees and creches. When people wish me a Merry Christmas, I smile and return the greeting. BTW, as a former retailer, the season has been very good to me.

I am Jewish although not frum, but best described as from a traditional background. I do not celebrate Christmas and am offended by those who assume that everyone does. What also deeply bothers me is a close relative who decorates her home with Christmas decorations because she "likes the way it looks". Each year I try my best to explain to her that it isn't our holiday. She has stopped short of a Christmas tree though. I feel that she badly wants to blend into her mostly Gentile neighborhood and really does like the festive look. I have also explained that it is a poor example for her teenage son to see, but my protests are falling on either deaf or dumb ears.

As a Christian I find your article excellent. We owe you much. Thanks for preserving the Bible. Israel is in the forefront protecting Western civilization and without thanks from the media. Allen

Although I am very thankful to be Jewish, I have to disagree with the author's statement, "theirs is a religion of creed, ours is of deed". Baloney. We both possess creed-like beliefs in our respective religions. But, look around at the deeds. Who does more work to help the homeless, feed and clothe the hungry, teach manners, support Israel, etc. than the modern Christian? I believe our "creed" is more correct than theirs, but their actions are currently better than ours.

As a Torah Jew, Christmas has no affect on me. Because Christmas is a christian holiday . When someone in my condo complex say marry Christmas to me, I tell them that I am not a christian, I am Jewish.

My grandfather (a"h) used to say in Yiddish that at the end of the day, "besser a frimmer goy, tzi a nischt frimmer goy" - "Better a religous gentile to a secular one"

"Christmas" is an incredibly pagan holiday. It shouldn't be celebrated by anyone--Christian or Jew. Don't believe me? Do a little research on your own.

I used to sing Christmas songs in school and like the holiday, but I am still Jewish and proud. No problem.

1. R. Blech likes to quote the phrase "they are a religion of creed, we are a religion of deed"; yet, "Reishit Chochma Yirat HaShem. the beginning of wisdom is fear of God. Whatever we do as Jews, if we're not doing it out of Fear of Heaven, it is for naught. 2. The idea that America views itself as "one nation under God" is the buying into the right-wing fundamentalist Christian dogma which is no more valid than their desires to break down the separation of church & state. 3. the idea that we as Jews are forced to examine our beliefs because others are celebrating is far overwhelmed by the tendency of even more Jews to get "caught up in the holiday spirit" and start kissing their shiksa secretaries under the mistletoe. 4.The best response we as Jews can have to Christian holidays is to maintain the appropriate degree of separation: יְ־הֹוָ־ה בָּדָד יַנְחֶנּוּ וְאֵין עִמּוֹ אֵל נֵכָר:

May we all remember, that Christmas represents the first, and strongest test to the youngest of our community- our children. May we influse their little hearts and minds with a sense of Jewishness. Friends- this is where Jewish pride begins. Teach our children to be that small, bright candle to light this world, and to ....Stay Strong.

Being inundated by carols and decorations is a great reminder that America, while a wonderful and comfortable exile, is still exile. Thank G-d for such reminders.

Many of us Jews are employed as medical technicians in hospitals. We always go out of our way to work on the Christian holidays, so that our gentile coworkers can have those days off.