I was taken with the following conclusion in the original blogger's piece: "a society that is able to make room for even this small measure of difference is one that might find a way to offer true respect and inclusion for all its members." In our oh-so-assimilated culture we are so afraid to be branded as "other." Some of us grew up as little Jewish girls in largely Catholic communities, others grew up as rather non-religious Jews in cities and towns where most of our friends went to one church or another. The world will always identify us as Jews -- different, other, perhaps even strange, but I want to live in a society where I am free to celebrate what is unique to Judaism, if I like, without having to explain myself. I want to be allowed the freedom to self-identify as someone who does not celebrate Christmas. I am tired of trying to explain to friends that Santa Claus has, indeed, come to be seen as a "Christian" figure (even if we draw his origins back to more pagan ceremony). I want to light and display my lit menorah if I choose--without feeling I must compete with the colored lights elsewhere in my neighborhood. And wouldn't it be refreshing if a neighbor asked, "So...tell me about this holiday you are celebrating with your candles?" And no, it is not the "Jewish Christmas." Room for inclusion is what I seek. Our society needs to find room for inclusion in so very many ways. This is but one small piece where change would be welcome.
I was taken with the following conclusion in the original blogger's piece: "a society that is able to make room for even this small measure of difference is one that might find a way to offer true respect and inclusion for all its members." In our oh-so-assimilated culture we are so afraid to be branded as "other." Some of us grew up as little Jewish girls in largely Catholic communities, others grew up as rather non-religious Jews in cities and towns where most of our friends went to one church or another. The world will always identify us as Jews -- different, other, perhaps even strange, but I want to live in a society where I am free to celebrate what is unique to Judaism, if I like, without having to explain myself. I want to be allowed the freedom to self-identify as someone who does not celebrate Christmas. I am tired of trying to explain to friends that Santa Claus has, indeed, come to be seen as a "Christian" figure (even if we draw his origins back to more pagan ceremony). I want to light and display my lit menorah if I choose--without feeling I must compete with the colored lights elsewhere in my neighborhood. And wouldn't it be refreshing if a neighbor asked, "So...tell me about this holiday you are celebrating with your candles?" And no, it is not the "Jewish Christmas." Room for inclusion is what I seek. Our society needs to find room for inclusion in so very many ways. This is but one small piece where change would be welcome.