Just out of curiosity, is it wrong for a jew to celebrate christmas without the acknowledgement of Christ?
For example, whether you want to admit it or not, Christmas has become an American holiday with Santa, reindeer, and the rest of the gang. So would it be wrong for a jew to celebrate the santa christmas secularly, while honoring Chanukkah spritually?
I'm looking for answers from other jews mainly, not christians, don't try to convert me Jesus folks. Thanks.
2006-10-21 07:26:51 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Danny - But if I don't believe in Christ, why would I care if it is a mockery or not? Besides, it's not only a celebration of Jesus, because if it were, Christ has to explain that tree.
2006-10-21 07:34:17 · update #1
I love that these folks are "informing" me that Christmas is pagan. The whole concept of Jesus is pagan, I understand this, just curious if it is wrong to enjoy christmas with friends and christian family as a jew.
(not celebrating Jesus OR paganism, I should have mentioned the OR earlier).
2006-10-21 07:53:12 · update #2
If you read the Christmas edition of the Chicken Soup For The Soul books, you will find that about half the stories are written by people of the Jewish faith who receive an immense pleasure in celebrating Christmas.
I see nothing wrong with celebrating any holiday you wish, for whatever reason. I know you asked for Jewish responses, but as an atheist I wanted to let you know that I celebrate them all. I even celebrate Hanukkah with my Jewish friends, and they enjoy Christmas with us.
2006-10-21 07:38:51 · answer #1 · answered by . 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the neo-pagan winter festival its become, anyone can celebrate Christmas. Even the Shinto Japanese celebrate it.
Religious Jews do not celebrate Christmas. Hannakuh is their form of the festival.
Secular, irreligious Jews take motifs of Christmas, but again do not really celebrate it as would Christians. They certainly would not have a creche, and if they have a star on top of their tree, it'll be a lighted Magen-David.
2006-10-21 14:38:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The many symbols of Christmas you see such as the tree, Santa and his sleigh, etc., are Pagan in their etymology. Even the date of Christmas--December 25--is centered on the date of Yule. Through time, Yule's date has slightly changed (it is now usually December 20 or 21).
If you are embracing Christmas for these things and yet you are a Jew, you are more than free to do so. Have fun!
2006-10-21 14:34:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas was already a holiday long before the Christians hijacked it and made it into Jesus's birthday. Anyone can celebrate Christmas.
2006-10-21 14:30:16 · answer #4 · answered by jedi1josh 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know...
Christmas is Christian in its essence, after all, no matter whether it looks like it or not, whether its of Pagan origin (and it is, of course) or not.
We have our own holidays, faith and tradition and I would like it to last as much as possible. What's wrong with celebrating Hanukkah with dreidels, Chanukkiyah and all? In Israel this holiday is a huge hit...
You have all your rights to do whatever you want, of course, and there's no reason or you to have any guilt, but still- I wouldn't celebrate it at home...
2006-10-22 16:44:24 · answer #5 · answered by yotg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
News I got for you>>>> Christmas is celebrated in the old Pagan tradition. Therefore Enjoy sweetheart enjoy!!
2006-10-21 14:36:55 · answer #6 · answered by sunkissed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saying that Christmas is no longer about Christ is like saying the Fourth of July isn't about American Independence.
Yes, people celebrate Christmas without the first thought given to Christ (welcome to people), but Christ is THE ONLY THING that Christmas is about. It is ONLY about the celebration of His birth. Period. To celebrate it any other way is a mockery of Christ.
2006-10-21 14:31:54 · answer #7 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Celebrate. Most people do.
2006-10-21 14:31:12 · answer #8 · answered by Hamish 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋