Is Christmas Good For the Jews?

The problem is not secularism, as the author states. The problem is the religious right who seem to want to remake this country in their image. The problem is not recognizing that secularism is a valid and moral position, no worse or better than believing in a higher power. The problem is the ridiculous war on Christmas that the right-wing brings up every year. The problem is the lack of respect for those of us who do not believe, or who are not Jewish or Christian.

shalom to you all as a christian i would like you to know that there are many of us who love and stand for Israel and the jewish people.we have been to the Land many times to visit and support His people.we celebrate the Feasts and tell people the truth about what is happening not as our media promotes events.we have also been harassed for Israel and have never forced our faith.am very happy to chat and meet .Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Thank you for the final line, quote " together all people of goodwill are joined in the task to place the sacred over the profane". Christians too are offended by the commercial Christmas in places where respect for G-d is replaced by the dollar,. Make no mistake about this. But we are governed by a democracy. So awareness of our own choices in our love of G-d and His ways is what binds us, not separates us. It is our strength. I abhor language/actions that diminish anothers religious beliefs. Call it respect. Teach our children to do the same because what they hear at home becomes their attitude.

I was raised in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, my family being the only goyim on the block. Christmas was enjoyed by our Jewish neighbors, my little next door playmate always getting his present under our tree (his mom gave it to my mom before Christmas). My memories are of my little friend knocking on the door Christmas day asking my mom "Did Santa Claus come yet?" And then the delight as my mother would say I don't know, let's look under the tree and bam! there was his gift. I'm sorry others have had hurtful memories of a time that speaks to hope and joy. Happy holidays to ALL of you with good hearts. Omen!

Rabbi Blech makes a lot of sense in his article. The problem I have, is that Christmas gets shoved down our throats earlier and earlier each year. As a consolation prize, stores will put up Chanukah decorations, even though the two have nothing in common. Whatever happened to the separation of Church and State. While we live in a pluralistic society, why is Christmas a religious holiday, also a federal holiday? It is not just Christmas that is forced upon us, it is also the vile day of Halloween, which is impossible to avoid and which is so repugnant. By the way, many secular Jews do not realize that Halloween is a pagan holiday and think it is so cute that their children go trick or treating. Many anti-Semitic pranks have occurred on Halloween and still do. I suppose the answer is the one that I know and wish I could do, and that is to move to Israel. I was there many times on Dec. 25th and it is just another day. Such a pleasure!!

Non-Jew I agree with the author. I also think that the lure of secular society combined with a lack of education threatens all religions whether Christianity or Judaism, in America or Israel. I feel the threat of doing nothing is higher than the threat of doing something different.

an argument can be made for both sides of the following conflicting idea. is it better to be an atheist (complete non-believer) or a pagan idol worshipper (which, contrary to popular belief, all religions are, with the exception of judaism which is the only true non-idolatrous monotheistic religion)? the former violates the first commandment whereas the latter violates the second commandment. i recall reading a wonderful answer to this quandary a long time ago, unfortunately, i do not remember the answer or rationale. as i have mentioned, an argument can certainly be made for both sides. however, ostensibly, one side of the argument holds far greater credibility and clout than the other. in other words, i guess i am ultimately asking, is it better to be uninformed and therefore ignorant or misinformed and therefore misguided? what are your thoughts? which is it for you?

Many years ago my husband,obm, was out in a department store with a neighbor--a non-observant young man. The assault of the Xmas carols was in full swing. The neighbor, also Jewish, said "Why don't we have a holiday with special music and traditions?" My husband said "What about Passover?" His statement was met with a blank stare. The young man had no idea what my husband meant. At that point in time the young man was married to a non-Jewish woman and I am sure he is lost to Judaism completely. Lack of knowledge is a terrible danger not another religion

How sad is it that we humans have such a hatred for each other. Why can' we accept the fact that as humans we are all related. Yes in the past we in the human family have made serious offences against others religions and ethnicity. In the new world of great technical advances and the ability to communicate with each other can't we put aside the negative and build common ground for mankinds (survival). The plan that should be in every humans mind is that we need each other in order keep the race of man living. Please be inteligent enough and less greedy and arrigant to allow all of mankind to come together. With our hearts and minds to think of what we can accomplish and overcome. My love to all..

I really like the writer's points here. As a Christian, I'm aware of all the hoopla regarding the listed Christmas. I can imagine the many Jewish folks getting tired of the numerous songs and particularly the money that goes back and forth. I see us as people that have realized that it's OK to disagree, just respect each other's feelings and rights. My Uncle Dave Saltzman was a Holocaust survivor and a man whom I respected deeply as the years went by. I'm one of those Christians that will be there for Israel if any other human power attempts to destroy our friendship and trust. I won't go into Obama, nothing needs to be said about him. But I will tell you this, there are thousands of American Christians that will jump a plan to help anytime Israel calls. Bless you all, my respect and Love

Is Rabbi Blech getting confused about the antisemitism experienced by his parents in Poland at Christmas? Certainly the events described happened regularly at Easter when the local priest would rail against the "Christ killers" but I'm surprised to hear him say it happened at Xmas. Here in Israel December 25 is a regular working day and I'm glad that I left behind all that enforced jollity in Britain when I made aliyah.

Although I am not jewish, I signed up for the Aish email which I find very interesing, in fact it gives me great spiritual awarness of the Jewish Religion. I have been brought up to celebrate Christmas from a small child, but today its all want want want which is not the true meaning. I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays.

I am not at ease with the suggestion that people without faith are "mokingly rejecting" the idea of faith or that they should be feared. It seems to me to suggest this and their tendency to base their lives decision on hedonistic values is displacing the contempt Christianity has/had on Jewish people and their faith on another group of people.

I am temporarily living in the deep south. i am not allowed to mention anything Jewish. I teach English to Speakers of Other Languages. My district puts out prayer requests for all THEIR relatives. When I asked for prayer for family in Israel I was repremanded. As the ESL teacher part of my duties is to educate teachers of the cultures and needs of our English Learners. How eever when I mentioned that Ramadan was coming up and teachers could maybe just show a little interest, I was repremanded within the hour. The klan is now just more openly politically correct while letting non-wasp know their place.

36 years ago other university students decorated the door of my dorm room for Christmas. At the time I could have gone either direction, with about 500 Jews among 17,000 students. The decorations made me feel that I needed to decide about being Jewish. I got involved in Hillel, went to Israel for a year after graduation, and am still there 33 years later, with 7 children, one grandchild, and another on the way.

My hearts yearns to one day travel to the Holy Land. I am glad you followed your heart.

Living in the U.S. and not in a Jewish community, I was recently greeted by "Christmas Carolers" when I answered the doorbell. I stood politely and listened to their song and as they walked away and wished me a "merry christmas", I wished them a "Happy Hanukah". Two of the ladies came back later, rang the bell and apologized. They did not know we were Jewish and had no intention to offend. I told them "no offense taken" and we parted on friendly terms. Thank you for your article - it reassured me that I handled the situation properly.

Blech's bigotry: That Rabbi Blech shows bigotry probably seems far-fetched to readers in this forum. That's only because bigotry against non-believers is the last widely accepted form of bigotry in this country. Yes, there is plenty of antisemitism, as there is anti-muslim sentiment, racism, male chauvinism, etc; but none of these is explicitly accepted - people generally feel the need to mask such feeling. Athiests, on the other hand, are commonly said to have no incentive to be good. That is no less a pejorative judgement of a people of a belief system than the claim that Jews are unloyal and dangerous because they killed Jesus. When Rabbi Blech unthinkingly says that "a secular lifestyle [is] determined solely by hedonistic choices.," he clearly means that as a pejorative - he is saying that non-believers are incapable of some greater purpose. False. Non-believers are no less capable of "spiritual" pursuits than the religious; and the use of the word "spiritual" commits one to a religious or non-naturalistic worldview no more than saying one has "heart" makes a biological statement. In a famous, though not famous enough, poll, where people were asked about their willingness to vote for a political candidate of specific persuasions, by far the group people were least willing to vote for was athiests. Jews, Mormons, and even Muslims and homosexuals were less discriminated against. We need to be aware of this bigotry in order to stop this bigotry.

True - the author says "Our greatest fear should not be those who worship in a different way but those who mockingly reject the very idea of worship to a higher power." And he is right, be very afraid that people will come to realize that it's all nonsense.

I agree with your post. I already posted, but you said it much better than I did. Thanks. A cultural Jew.

NO...atheists are not an "oppressed" minority and/or martyrs. If anything their "oppression" stems from harboring absurd beliefs whose possibility for plausibility are mathematically impossible. Conscience can be "cruel". Atheist mythologies are rejected due to the fact that anyone with even the smallest IQ understands that "it takes something to make something..." understanding the undeniable historical fact that atheism is not only foolish, unproductive and unscientific - its also dangerous and has killed millions when adopted as a core "ethic" of government. Its NOT BIGOTRY to see something for what it is but of course, atheists have always been wrong about everything and have produced only massacres and abuse where they (and their mentality) have been asendent in government (aka..ussr, polpot cambodia, red china, nazi germs, north korea...etc...)so not understanding the universe/world around them (and inside them) is simply what they do best. Aside from Science, american democracy, and medical achievement (things atheism has NOT contributed to but rather their ongoing destruction) did you know that "love your neighbor..." is also NOT an atheistic idea? it also came from Theistic minds...G-d, Shema, Torah are the facts of the universe. Atheism is simply another self worshipping false religion with no future - or hope. Blech is not a bigot and is SO RIGHT...It should be kept where it's at...dismissed, rejected and feared for the lie that it is and the future death it can cause -again.

Clarification: Christian tree and Santa Clouse are not symbol of Christianity. If anything, a little manger is a symbol of Christmas. The Christmas tree and Santa Claus observances of Christmas are NOT Christian and this is why they can be displayed in public places. Please read the story of Christmas and you will not find a Christmas tree anywhere. Christians do not like the secular side of the holidays, such as Santa, gifts, commercialism, etc... One way to keep the original intend of the HolyDay this season is to write Christmas instead of Xmass and resist the pressure into secularism. And yes, Chanukah has nothing to do with Christmas. So - no gifts on Chanukah. Please recall the true meaning of Chanukah and Christmas celebrations. Happy Holidays (whatever you celebrate)!

I see paranioa is alive and well and knows no religious boundaries. Do you really believe Christians are trying to kill you spiritually, or are you just off your meds for a few days? If you're so fearful of "spiritual death" at the hands of Christions, where are your missionaries teaching about Judaism? Or is it just so much easier to sit there and complain?>

Unlike America, England calls itself a multicultural society and the last census showed that less and less people define themselves as Christians, until the Christmas season arrives. We are swamped by the "festive" season and bingeing on food and drink is what goes. Teaching our children about freedom and to stand up for what is right as in the story of Chanukah is an opportunity that we should take up and chesed in giving food to shelters and food banks in these difficult times. A season of good-will can be a great teaching and learning opportunity.

If you want a safe haven of intensive Jewishness in the Christmas week, go to Limmud - it's an incredible experience, and you totally forget Yuletide.

Who is it suggested that jews "Forget about the Yuletidei" CHanukah is a beautiful time of the year because families are together. We light the lichts and remember g-d and the miracle. We dance and play together. Christmas is the same type of time for the CHristians. Why should we not be happy that we all have a Festival of Lights at or near the same time. Why would anyone think it is okay for the jews to be EXclusive, but not for anyone to exclude the jews. We should all be inclusive. THere is a huge percentage of jews who to not even believe in g-d. These secular jews many times think they are more intelligent, but they are not. Believing is a very important part of Judaism. We may not have to believe in every law, but belief in g-d is so wonderful. I admire the Christians belief in god as well as the smaller percentage of jews who do so. Why? I think jewish kids are NOT inspired in Hebrew school. My grandchildren have told me, that although things have changed a great deal, there is still no spiritual uplifting in Hebrew School. Therefore, they go thru it because their parents force them. THen they drop out and do not even know what our religion is about. I do not mean alll lthe laws, I mean the spiritual belief in g-d. How can jews who do not even believe in g-d resent the CHristians who do?

Compared to the author's Polish experience, yes, the US in December is harmless for Jews. But it must be acknowledged that Xmas is hardly a Godly holiday; Christians themselves have given in to secular assimilation and allowed the day to become a celebration of stuff. Instead of a season of joy, it is one of stress, as people obsess over the "perfect" gift for each person. Even Thanksgiving, formerly a day of gratitude and family, is being infringed upon by materialism. If you are lucky enough to be a born Jew, perhaps you have observed these things as well but can easily shrug them off. But as a convert, this time of year is very difficult for me, as Christians tend to view Chanukah as Jewish Xmas and expect me to participate in both. "What's the harm?" seems to be the common view. One relative told me outright that she feels sorry for my children because they will not experience the magic of Santa. I do not believe for one second that Chanukah's place in the Jewish calendar is a result of "vagaries." The one holiday that celebrates resisting assimilation falls during a time when pressure to assimilate is high. Please take it from a convert who has experienced both: Do not turn Chanukah into any semblance of Xmas. Our children do not need eight nights of stuff. The greatest gift is continuing Jewish heritage and resisting idols of gold and silver, whether they are the actual statues of the Maccabees' days or the worship of wealth in ours.

IMO...your words are HaShem's wisdom and complete b'emet meod (VERY TRUE)...however, I would caution you regarding calling yourself merely as a "convert...per the sages, you are a AUTHENTIC JEW...just as much as anyone "lucky enough" to be born Jewish. a "ger" is not a prejorative term (not that you don't know this already) and you are no less a Jew than anyone else..as a matter of fact, maybe even moreso a Jew. You CHOSE the covenanant and all it entails...which led to a commentary in the the talmud (or was it Rambam?) that a "convert is the most beloved and special of people that while others inherited the covenant, you pursued it..." (poor paraphrase-my apologies). I've seen gerut to be held in contempt by some but its not an issue with your Jewishness but usually about the guilt of those SO BLESSED to be born into HaShem's people but take it so much for granted. they're guilty and you remind them of what they should try to be. Even so I'm on the final leg of my formal conversion/confirmation and you're inspiring comments are a "kiss of wisdom". Please pray for me as i'm also a former christian who finally saw the truth and has come home to G-d, Shema, Torah...Baruch HaShem!! and Thanks to you for your life

Misha, thank you so much for that reminder. I know you are 100% correct; it is just difficult for me this time of year when I feel such a separation from my family. That being said, I am so happy and thankful to have found Judaism and I would not take it back for anything in the world. We will be so blessed to welcome you into the Jewish people. All the best to you, you definitely have my prayers.

Many people don't like to hear that "America is a Christian nation." But that's what it is, because that's what most of its citizens are. Unfortunately, too many American Jews define themselves by what they are not, rather than what they are. They know that Jews don't believe in JC and they don't celebrate xmas. But otherwise they don't know what makes them different from their Christian friends and neighbors. So the thought of living in a Christian country offends and upsets them, because they feel left out. We Jews need to take pride in our heritage. We need to define ourselves by who and what we are, rather than what we are not. In order to do that, we need to learn all we can about Shabbos and YomTov and Kashrus and all the other mitzvos in our wonderful Torah.

Yes, the US is a Christian nation founded by Christians, (though some of them were against celebrating Christmas). Jews who object have a choice: they can suffer in exile or move home to Israel. I did and love it and rarely see a Christmas icon of any kind. Israel is our Jewish nation and we need to live here. If G-d gives us a gift should we not accept it?

I came back from Israel Dec 14 to carols and trees in the airport. It was a bit of a shock--I had actually forgotten all about the holiday. Then I compared it to the sound of the muzzein and the Friday Muslim sermon that is blasted into my son's yishuv and I thought how much safer it is here and that these Christians don't want to kill me. It's MY job not to assimilate and to keep my family Jewish, not the gov't.

The laws prevent the xtians from mortaly killing us so they attempt to spirutally kill us through deceptions misinterpretations distortions revisionism intentional or not the bottom line is the same. The so called xtian zionist...ask them if they are for a ISRAEL according to the laws AS SOLELY GIVEN AT MT SINAI ACCORDING TO MOSES. They will not answer you. Their doctrine is to bring all JEWS to israel inorder for their dream hallucination of the way to bring jesux a second time.

I'm a Jew and who sees it as a positive for all Americans that Christians celebrate Christmas, and as the Rabbi said the prospect of secularism is the real threat to society.I would disagree with the statement that "Christianity is not a religion of deed."The possibility of attaining purification thru tshuva seems absent, but doing good deeds seems a main component in the lives of Christians who take their faith seriously.

I'm sorry you feel this way. But the Christian Zionists that I know love the Jewish people for who they are: The chosen of G_d and the ones who gave us the Torah. If you knew them as I know them then you wouldn't feel this way.

For those who are offended by the assault of Christmas music in the U.S. during this season, they are welcome to come Home to Israel. Christmas passes with little notice in most of the nation. Where I live I pretty much missed it completely.

The rabbi's sense of mutual respect slips a little when he mentions "the vagaries of the Hebrew calendar" that vary the relative dates of Chanukah and Christmas. The Hebrew calendar has vagaries only if you are a solar chauvinist. It is a perfectly fine lunar calendar, and if you want to know when the full moon is, then it's the other calendar that has vagaries. Gee, when is the full moon this January? Our lunar calendar adjusts to the solar calendar in a 19-year cycle. The Western, solar calendar ignores the moon entirely. What day of December was the last full moon? Can anybody tell me without looking it up? On the Hebrew calendar, it's always smack on mid-month, no exceptions. It's true that on the Western calendar Christmas always falls on December 25, but so what? Chanukah always falls on Kislev 25. And Easter floats around even on the Western calendar! If you consider that the Western is objective and all other calendars are subjective, then you've been drinking the egg nog.

Declare the jews guilty of deisism is an absurdity. Jesus was killed by...romans! They supposed he could lead a revolt against them!

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!

This article is just another blurring of the TORAHS DEMAND TO SEPARATE from the other nations. It is a spiritually dirty time and JEWS MUST STRENGTHEN THEMSELFS WITH TORAH LEARNING against this spiritual onlslaught from the xtians. Many sephardic communities learn all night to counter the evil effects. MANY ASHKANAZ communities do not because that night when the xtians left thier sermons they were inspired to hate Jews and therefore went on rampages killing or and assaulting jews and as well damaging their property. jc only brough death and pain and sorrow to the entire world. What xtians say is not the facts of the history as THEIR history has been rewritten countless times. They created myths, stories and peotry on a dead mangod.

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

good messages wish u could send some info for me from laureen

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.