From a Jew on Christmas As a Jew, I didnt grow up with Christmas (obviously). Times were different, Toronto was less welcoming to other faiths, and Christmas felt like yet another demonstration of how we Jews were outsiders. I took pride in being distinct, but the feeling that our outsider status was being rubbed in our faces did grate on many Jews and so discomfort, even hostility, grew toward the holiday. Times have changed. Anti-semitism, or any kind of tacit bigotry, is not considered a given anymore. By the time my wife Liana, who is 11 years younger than me, was going through the school system, attitudes toward others has become much more accepting. My closest friends are a Baptist pastor (Adam), his wife Heather and their two kids. And I have become part of a family and friends that do celebrate Christmas. Liana and I are not involved in any of the religious observances of the holiday, though our non-Jewish friends, including Pastor Adam and family, do join us for Rosh Hashanah dinner and our Passover seders and participate fully. You dont have to follow the same religion to respect the beliefs of others. I digress. I love Christmas, and I do so because, as a Jew, it feels like an affirmation of my Jewish values. Heres why. One of the most important responsibilities of a Jew is Tzedaka, which means charity. Its the second greatest mitzvah (noble deed) that a Jew can perform, second only to saving a life. The highest form of this is to give charity anonymously to someone you dont know. At Christmas, charity is front and centre, from the Salvation Army people ringing bells at malls to the Toys for Tots programs, funding meals for the poor and homeless, supplying food banks. Sure, theres also greed and materialism in the air, but thats there all year-long. And yes, helping the needy should be something we focus in more than once a year. Thats all beside the point. The point is, for whatever reason, awareness of the needy is highest at Christmas time, and no believing Jew can find fault with this type of giving. The mission of the Jewish people is to help to repair the world (Tikkun Olom) by setting an example (a light unto nations). In many ways, Jewish thinking has transformed the world - care for the poor, respect for animal welfare, proportional justice (an eye for an eye isnt about revenge at all) and many many more values that are today considered secular were first codified by Judaism. So when we see the majority population embracing charity, something so important to Judaism, its something for Jews to encourage. But isnt this done in the name of Jesus? For some yes, not all. But it doesnt matter. Judaism doesnt expect nor require the rest of the world to be Jewish. Judaism maintains that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. This has been the majority rule since the days of the Talmud. Judaism generally recognizes that Christians and Moslems worship the same G-d that we do and those who follow the tenets of their religions can be considered righteous in the eyes of G-d. -jewfaq.org Besides, there are very few principles Jesus espoused in the Christian Bible that werent paraphrased from his Jewish teachings. The virgin birth, Jesus divinity as the Jewish messiah and other of the additions to the Christian faith which came after Jesus death are points where Jewish and Christian beliefs diverge. We can choose to focus on that, or on the many more places we agree. I am quite happy to give and receive Merry Christmas. I dont feel that the person saying it is trying to convert me or showing me disrespect as a Jew. I believe that Merry Christmas is intended as a wish for good times and good health. How can I object to this? I accept the spirit of the greeting. Which connects to another Jewish requirement (Jews have not 10 but 613 commandments and no, were not expected to memorize or keep them all 100% of the time). The requirement is to greet the world with a smile, to try to uplift spirits. When I see a smile after I wish someone a Merry Christmas, Im fulfilling a responsibility as a Jew. Another thing that is important to Jews is family. That isnt unique to Jews, but it is something we value as a people. Christmas time creates the time and motivation for family gatherings, often one of the only times in the secular year. I dont see how a believing Jew can have a problem with others sharing in something we value as well. When Liana and I donate to the Scott Mission, I feel Jewish. When we donate toys to needy kids, I feel Jewish. When I wish people a Merry Christmas, I feel Jewish. Christmastime doesnt erode my sense of being a Jew, it affirms it. So from Liana and I, Merry Christmas. -SK
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:46:00 +0000