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As the essay discusses, it is inappropriate to do so because "Hanukkah is meant to commemorate not assimilating – so why appropriate a Christian tradition to celebrate it?"
Sending holiday cards is a Christian tradition and violates the Torah ? Ridiculous, as many of the comments point out.
Sending holiday cards is a Christian tradition and violates the Torah ? Ridiculous, as many of the comments point out.
Jazz, it's not ridiculous. While I would not say that sending out holiday cards this time of year is a violation of halacha (Jewish law), I do feel Jews who are meticulous in all aspects of Torah life would feel very uncomfortable with holiday cards at this time of year, simply because they have the "appearance" of being a Chrstian custom.
I suppose it depends on who you hang around with. The Jews I spend the majority of my time with feel much like I do (Walter, too, it appears). But in your Jewish circles, which I am guessing are less Torah observant, it is not looked down upon. You'll see from an earlier post, I encouraged Walter to recognize the difference, and that it's fine if you want to send out holiday cards (not that you were asking for my permission ).
As the essay discusses, it is inappropriate to do so because "Hanukkah is meant to commemorate not assimilating – so why appropriate a Christian tradition to celebrate it?"
I send Birthday cards, New Years cards, cards to celebrate Jewish holidays. I don't see it as a "Christmas" thing. I see it as wishing my Jewish friends a happy Hanukkah. I don't send Christmas cards.
To be assimilated is to not celebrate Jewish holidays and to celebrate Christian holidays, to have a Christmas tree. I just send a few Hanukkah cards.
I get cards from Jewish friends at this time of year. Also hindu friends and atheist friends. It's a nice way to stay in touch once a year with friends that you don't see that often. Everyone I know seems ok with it, but if it feels weird to you you could always wait two weeks and send out a New Years Card.
Well then those Jews can refrain from sending Hanukkah cards.... But it really is a big thing over a small thing.
Having Jews, Athiest, Agnostics, buddhist, Christians and Muslims in my Family there are cards flying everywhere for Holidays. We have not so religous Buddhist, Jews and Muslims with family members with Christmas trees and lights even. It's an American thing and its great! Religious dogma doesn't fly.
Jazz, it's not ridiculous. While I would not say that sending out holiday cards this time of year is a violation of halacha (Jewish law), I do feel Jews who are meticulous in all aspects of Torah life would feel very uncomfortable with holiday cards at this time of year, simply because they have the "appearance" of being a Chrstian custom.
I suppose it depends on who you hang around with. The Jews I spend the majority of my time with feel much like I do (Walter, too, it appears). But in your Jewish circles, which I am guessing are less Torah observant, it is not looked down upon. You'll see from an earlier post, I encouraged Walter to recognize the difference, and that it's fine if you want to send out holiday cards (not that you were asking for my permission ).
Fair enough. I really don't know how the custom of sending holiday cards began [by someone named Hallmark ?], but I've never thought of it as a Christian or non-Jewish thing.
As the essay discusses, it is inappropriate to do so because "Hanukkah is meant to commemorate not assimilating – so why appropriate a Christian tradition to celebrate it?"
Ummmm, when did sending greeting cards become a Christian tradition Walter?
I'm not Christian but I send cards for various occasions.
I have never sent Chanukah cards, because I consider them to be nothing more than an attempt by companies like Hallmark to increase their profit margin. They're certainly not a Jewish tradition. Any year now, they're going to introduce Eid cards, because Muslims will be next on their target list. Wait and see!
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