Chanukah or Christmas, Chanumas or Christikah … that is the question. In the olden days our faith was often more consistent and predictable, but in today’s world many families are interfaith. How does a family celebrate the holidays when one parent is a Christian and the other is Jewish? Families could choose to avoid, but with all the seasonal displays for a family not to celebrate something is like the ostrich which places its head in the ground.
As people we are created with a desire to believe … something. History teaches this: every culture which has ever existed has a faith component. Absence of faith causes people to desire; weak faith causes people to look for something stronger. In a world with radicalized faith options, it is important for parents to teach good faith in a strong way. So, where should a family begin?
The discussion about the holiday season should start with one statement: Jesus was Jewish. Jesus would have celebrated Chanukah. This statement tells us not to battle and invites us to do something a little different. Christianity grew out of Judaism, and to bring these two traditions together accentuating the great stories of each with their identical moral base can create an environment of peace rather than battles.
How does a family bring both holidays together? The beginning point is to talk about what is important. Both faith traditions should enjoy a presence in the month of december, and because there are differences each celebration can own a place of its own. Unique elements of each season: the stories of Christmas and Chanukah should be told and retold all month. The trim of the holidays such as the tree, the dreidels, latkes, candles and lights should co-exist and be enjoyed by all.
To make plans for seasonal harmony take a look at the calendar. Chanukah occurs at a different time every year. The lighting of the menorah should occupy its rightful place, and can lead to a discussion on how we got our calendar … and the differences between a lunar cycle and a solar calendar.
Christmas occupies December 24-25 each year. Worship experiences on these days, as well as other special events should be honored in families. Young children will enjoy the festivities. As children grow they will ask questions. Answering questions will bring growth for parents and learning to children. Teenagers will begin to challenge each faith, and through the challenge the parent obtains the ability to show how the love and hope of each faith should bring people together rather than split them apart.
How can this work, and how can a parent fill in some perceived gaps? The new book Advent Journeys can serve as a guide. This book not only shares the stories and traditions of both holidays; it also shares Jewish cultural backgrounds which are many times remain unseen as we read the New Testament. As we see and understand the unique culture into which Jesus was born we can begin the discussion which will help us live together and celebrate both faith traditions.
The Christian faith and the Jewish faith should fit together. Across the centuries these two religions have drifted apart, forged individual identifications and set up battle zones. And in so doing each group has obliterated the fact that Christianity was born out of Judaism. Judaism contains the foundation and some important keys to really understanding the world and teachings of Jesus.
