I know this is an ethnocentric question but I was wondering if Chanukah's popularity has anything to do with the Jewish kids getting shafted at Christmas.
2006-12-14 10:32:13 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
It's not a top holiday as far as the Torah goes, but it has a nice story and lovely traditions and is a part of our culture.
I believe the popularization of giving gifts does indeed stem from Christmas as Jewish people became more assimilated, although Jewish children have received gelt (chocolate coins) as part of the tradition for many generation.
And to quote cousin Geri on Facts of Life: Questions don't hurt; ignorance does. It's fine to ask questions.
2006-12-14 10:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by kimpenn09 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chanukah is the celebration of lights for Jews. It has nothing to do with Jewish kids getting shafted at Christmas.
2006-12-14 18:35:25 · answer #2 · answered by echosparent 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No Chanukah came into being several hundred years before Jesus. It celebrates a great military victory w/ profound religious and emotional connotations. One of the last, Jewish miracles is associated with it. Gift giving is a part of many religions on special occasions. See Esther for an example.
2006-12-14 18:38:42 · answer #3 · answered by Joe Cool 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a major holiday from a religious point of view. I'm not too sure but I suspect that some component of the gift giving aspect is to compete with Christmas. I got shafted either way. My parent got me only one present for Hanukkah, while my more well-off Jewish friends got money from a bunch of other relatives and got one present for each of the 8 days.
2006-12-15 00:20:37 · answer #4 · answered by Alan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those who celebrate hanukkah but no other holiday, it is so the kids (and adults) won't feel cheated. But jews who celebrate all or some other holidays, including haukkah, then its a cultural thing.
2006-12-14 18:36:21 · answer #5 · answered by Rik84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Jews were here first, I don't think they have to compete with anyone.
FP
2006-12-14 18:36:00 · answer #6 · answered by F. Perdurabo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋