The tradition of receiving gifts on each of the eight days of Chanukah (one of various spellings) is relatively new and due in part to the celebration's proximity to the Christmas season.
- an atheist Jew
2007-09-15 02:10:38 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jewish children nagged their parents for gifts during Christmas time (just like John and Mary, the Christian children down the block did)
2007-09-15 02:18:18 · update #1
I know some Jewish people who put up a tree, what the hell is that about?
2007-09-15 02:23:55 · answer #1 · answered by MyMichelle 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have heard this before. It would seem that some were feeling "left out" in the excitement of another's tradition. But, I would say they topped it - with receiving gifts of each of the eight days.
But, hey, what's the big deal. So, a new tradition was adopted.
Aside: I would have to ask, why do you call yourself an "Atheist Jew"? Indeed, "Jew" comes from Judaic or Judah. Judah means praise - praise for God, that is. Hebrew wouldn't fit, either, as it means set apart, particularly for the purposes of God.
So, either you are identifying yourself as having been a Jew, or you are still riding the fence concerning the reality of God.
Of course, when I consider what I have seen in a few Shabat (sp?) services, the reality of God in teachings is ambiguous, at best - it is a wonder any Jews consider God to be the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as compared to being the "sky fairy" so many atheists refer to.
I mean no disrespect - I just wanted to relay an observation.
2007-09-15 09:28:32 · answer #2 · answered by TroothBTold 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm a former Christian, but no, I'm not surprised. However, someone recently posted a question or an answer saying that Hanukkah was a Christian holiday, or stolen from the Christians, or something like that. That's not the truth, but this makes sense. The traditions associated with a holiday are not the holiday itself. I can easily see how Jews would add something about giving gifts to their mid-winter holiday so their kids don't complain about not getting presents the way the Christian kids do.
2007-09-15 09:17:19 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When and where traditions come from have little to do with anything.
Of course, Christian beliefs and traditions come from many sources because as Christianity moved forward and people converted they brought some things with them. This is not unusual.
Most all of the first Christians were Jews, of course.
2007-09-15 09:17:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ACT of giving tokens is not new or taken from xtianity- the act of giving HUGE tokens is new and copied from the surrounding culture.
As xtians have allowed their religious holiday to morph into a materialist holiday instead, the surrounding culture has been infected with their greed (not xtian greed, material greed) and drive for 'the biggest gift".
Many Jews do NOT fall into this trap.
I am one of them who does not.
I think (and hope) you will see many Jews reject this concept of 'gift holidays' as the novelty wears off- it is simply not a part of what the holiday is.
Why should we keep up with 'foreigners' as far as religions go?
That is like saying xtians should have to keep up with our holidays- it is not necessary (or actually in that case advisable/allowed)
My children have no conception of chanakuh as a 'gift' holiday. it is yet another minor religious holiday with it's own traditions and history, and fat stacks of gifts are NOT a part of that.
Fat piles of gifts come on their birthdays, and even then, not so fat- the biggest gifts I give my children are excellent education, unconditional love and their heritage.
I'm willing to bet many reasonable xtian parents feel the same.
2007-09-15 09:26:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't know this but I suppose it does fit with the way various religious celebrations change over time as cultures in close proximity adapt to and borrow particular customs from each other.
2007-09-15 09:15:49 · answer #6 · answered by chris m 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is Chanukah taken from 1 Macabees 4? (Catholic Bible; Interesting point; Jews observe it presently , apparently Catholics do not!!!
2007-09-15 10:53:18 · answer #7 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you learn about your Jewish roots first. Chanukah is a minor feast and not a main one. Do not deny the Lord your God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. AND the only way to get to Him is through His Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Yeshua. God bless you.
2007-09-15 09:26:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
people like you, sir/madam actually have a name, they are called evengelical atheists. Forever obsessing over matters they do not believe and poring over holy texts of other faiths to find excuses to ridicule the believers. I noticed one interesting fact about your questions, they are always addressed to christians, you do not find things jews or hindus believe ridiculous ? as an atheist, why do you worry what others believe ? kind of silly, isn't it ?
2007-09-15 09:17:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
In Israel gifts are given on Purim instead.
2007-09-15 09:17:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋