How Do You Explain That Hanukkah Is Not The Jewish Christmas?
• Firstly, learn about the story of Hannukah, and how to celebrate it. Hannukah is about the victory of the anti-assimilationist Maccabees over the Hellenists, and God’s protection of the Jews in exile. Its story has nothing to do with the Christian narrative. • Explain to them the stories of Hanukkah and Christmas. Just sum it up quickly, or ask if they know them, so you’re not standing there looking like an idiot for lecturing someone. • Make sure they realize that presents have nothing to do with the holiday — the American custom of giving presents on Hanukkah is a recent innovation copied from the non-Jews. Most observant Jews dislike this. Let the person to whom you’re talking know. • To keep the meaning of this holiday, even without the presents, try doing traditional things, (dreidel, latkes, songs and prayers), and know what these rituals represent. • Don’t try to alienate yourself from your friends or make it look like you’re completely different. Take the time to point out h
