I would like to know what the official stance is within the Jewish community (both Orthodox and conservative), as far as attending Christmas parties is concerned? Is it considered 'taboo' or is it perfectly fine?
2007-12-12 02:41:37 · 14 answers · asked by Dave 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Thanks for your answers. I'm surprised I haven't heard one 'against' response. I am a non-practicing Jew, and have never been to an Xmas party before. To me, it just doesn't feel right going to one, because I *hate* conforming. By attending an Xmas party, it would be like me saying "hey, I'm just the same as the rest of you", which I'm not. I'm Jewish. You have to understand that here in Australia Jews are almost non-existant, and everyone just automatically assumes you are Christian. I hate assumptions being made about me, which is why I do not, and will never, attend such a party.
2007-12-12 02:53:21 · update #1
So, are you saying that the rest of the Jews in the world, including the ones that have answered your question here are wrong for going to 'these such parties' because they're being made an assumption of? that's kinda sad, if you ask me... I grew up christian, my entire family is christian, but now I'm Pagan/Wicca, and I'm still holding our Christmas party at my house... I look at it as a prophet's birthday party... celebrating the season, spending time with friends and family, enjoying myself, and celebrating Yule according to my religion. they're not making an assumption of me, nor is anyone else. Besides that, is it so hard to say, 'hey, thanks for the invite, maybe i will come, but, by the way, I'm Jewish'...??? Maybe if you did, your Christian friends would be more understanding and give you Hanukkah gifts during Hanukkah.... ;) ha ha Just a thought.
Have a good day, hon!
2007-12-12 09:44:16 · answer #1 · answered by Silver Thunderbird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a Jew so don't know how it would be viewed by the general Jewish Community. I am Agnostic but more Atheist than a believer in God but I do attend family Christmas parties. I don't see it as compromising my own beliefs, I see it as a celebration of what I do believe in, Peace and Love and unity of ALL mankind. Most of my family and friends are Christians! They accept I'm not so don't expect me to join in if they decide to start singing Christmas Carols etc! They would feel upset if I didn't attend the party though and it's a way of celebrating friendship and family as well as celebrating Christs birth.
People don't assume I'm a Christian because of a party, if they do assume I'm one it's because of my being from a Christian family and Culture. People will always make assumptions about others though and by not attending may just assume you don't enjoy parties! I have non Christian friends as well including several Jews and they attend parties! I think it's how YOU feel that matters.
2007-12-12 03:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sorry but this is really more a racial problem.
1) Xmas parties aren't normally religious, They're just holiday/end of the year, work things, where everyone goes and has fun, drink too much and flirt.
2) You're a "non-practicing" Jew? 90% of those so called Christians at the Xmas party will be "non-practicing" Christians.
You sound more like a Chinesse going to an all ***** party and worrying about sticking out!
2007-12-12 09:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its fine. Just because I am Jewish, it doesn't mean I do not respect friends from other faiths. If I was invited to a Christmas party and was available to go, I would think it would be an insult not to attend. Of course I do not celebrate Christmas as I believe it is an insult to them for me to celebrate their highly religious holiday, but nothing is wrong to just attend a fun party. I am inviting many non jewish people to my daughter's bat mitzpah party. I would be insulted if they did not attend because they were a different religion.
2007-12-12 02:59:31 · answer #4 · answered by Fudge Town 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My family is reformed and we all go to Christmas parties in fact all of my grandparents children but one are/were married to christians so growing up i had Hanukah and Christmas and i still do christmas with my mom althoug i consider my self jewish. As for what orthodox and conservatives say not too sure.
2007-12-12 02:46:57 · answer #5 · answered by ckatz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe the 1st answerer. I do have self assurance that Christmas became created with the help of the Catholic church with the point to get Pagans to transform greater unquestionably, through fact Christmas is amazingly on the factor of the day of the iciness Solstice, that's the Pagan holiday. I do have self assurance that Jesus did exist and that he became a divine messenger, yet there have been many pupils who have self assurance that he became certainly born around July. to not point out, it wasn't Christianity that made the holiday that plenty relaxing, through fact it became initially meant to easily be approximately family members and celebrating Jesus' birthday, yet then it grew to grow to be commercialized with the help of society. -The Gnostic Christian
2016-10-01 10:30:51 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.. Christmas is a time of sharing and people who celebrate the holidays welcome ALL people. That is how society should be and I get tired of all the religious fighting and unacceptance of others. It's all in ones attitude... and I guess most have a positive attitude who are answering your post, which is why you haven't heard any against responses. My husband is Muslim and he celebrates Christmas with me and my family. I do not intend to convert and neither does he.. so we respect each other and celebrate our holidays for each other and our son. Best Wishes!
2007-12-12 02:53:45 · answer #7 · answered by Cupid 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's it's OK. I've gone to a Christmas Party where there's been Jews.
2007-12-14 03:45:02 · answer #8 · answered by dancerprancer7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is. If I were invited, I would have no problems accepting an invitation to a Hannukah party or an Eid or a Diwali party.
Christmas is about peace to the world, not just people who happen to believe the same as you. As the angel said ... 'Peace on Earth to all mankind.'
Go and enjoy yourself.
2007-12-12 02:50:59 · answer #9 · answered by elflaeda 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is a time of Love & Peace. All our welcome to my parties. I invite not just my Christian family & friends, but Jewish, Bubest & non believers. Go and enjoy. Happy last day of Hanukkah!!!
2007-12-12 02:55:06 · answer #10 · answered by ladytc 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋