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I'm confused.. you could never live in the "Bible-Belt" because why?
1. One person from one example used the word "disgusting"?
2. Somebody prayed for somebody else?
or
3. They don't fully understand the Jewish faith?
Cause if its #3 then didn't you just post that you couldn't find what you needed for Chanukah in San Francisco and you were frustrated with the lack of knowledge of the staff at Walgreens?
Sorry.. just confused
It's okay... no, there aren't any specific reasons, aside from being left out and/or misunderstood on a regular basis. I've been to the south many times, and often hear things that make me go HMMMMM. For instance, one lady from Georgia noticed my Star of David, and asked why I was riding the bus since "Aren't all Jews rich?" Oy vey. She didn't mean to be rude, but that's just the problem... even living in Oregon, some people were simply ignorant about the Jewish people/faith, and would say stupid things on a regular basis. Now before anyone jumps on me, I realize not everyone is like this - but a much larger majority are, and that's why I'm happier living in a diverse place like San Francisco. Nothing wrong with the Bible-Belt if it makes you happy, but I know it wouldn't be a great place for someone like me (a loud-mouthed, opinionated Jewish gal).
P.S. Yes, I did have trouble finding Chanukah candles at Walgreen's... but I finally found a box at a local gift shop, and I'm sure they were carried at most other stores. But as I said in my post earlier, it was SURPRISING that we didn't have them everywhere, since this area is normally very cool about that stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't available in Podunk, Alabama.
It's okay... no, there aren't any specific reasons, aside from being left out and/or misunderstood on a regular basis. I've been to the south many times, and often hear things that make me go HMMMMM. For instance, one lady from Georgia noticed my Star of David, and asked why I was riding the bus since "Aren't all Jews rich?" Oy vey. She didn't mean to be rude, but that's just the problem... even living in Oregon, some people were simply ignorant about the Jewish people/faith, and would say stupid things on a regular basis. Now before anyone jumps on me, I realize not everyone is like this - but a much larger majority are, and that's why I'm happier living in a diverse place like San Francisco. Nothing wrong with the Bible-Belt if it makes you happy, but I know it wouldn't be a great place for someone like me (a loud-mouthed, opinionated Jewish gal).
P.S. Yes, I did have trouble finding Chanukah candles at Walgreen's... but I finally found a box at a local gift shop, and I'm sure they were carried at most other stores. But as I said in my post earlier, it was SURPRISING that we didn't have them everywhere, since this area is normally very cool about that stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't available in Podunk, Alabama.
No problem.. I was just asking. I grew up in the bible belt and it doesn't bother me what people think of it. Sections within the bible belt are so different from each other even within the bible belt states.. Deep South Georgia and Alabama are much different than say Northern Alabama and Tennessee.
There are just some places down there where the culture "sunshine" don't shine.. if you get my drift.
My son's kindergarten class made latkes from scratch and talked about Chanukah traditions. He learned the Dreidel song. He was so excited from learning about latkes that he came home that night and made latkes for the whole family. We loved it.
My son's kindergarten class made latkes from scratch and talked about Chanukah traditions. He learned the Dreidel song. He was so excited from learning about latkes that he came home that night and made latkes for the whole family. We loved it.
That's wonderful! I wish my kid's school did that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bookworm2768
Mine is having a Christmas party / fund raiser tonight.
Obviously, it being the first night we HAVE to do the candle lighting thing, eating fried food thing, and playing board games thing so we cannot go to the party. He's furious that he's missing our on the fund raiser and I'm not sure if I should be mad or not. Am I wrong to be irate at the school?
It just seems like it would not have been so difficult to have the party on a non Hanukah night. Oh and the next fund raiser is a showing of the movie The Santa Clause which he will have to miss as well since it is, in essence, a Christmas movie.
We just moved to Dallas from Indianapolis and it is amazing to me that a school district in this huge metropolis is more unaware than one in the Midwest.
I haven't read all the posts. But I'm all for a celebration of all different faiths. I'm wondering how we can get something like this started at our own school. I would love for my kids to learn more about different cultures and celebrations.
That's wonderful! I wish my kid's school did that.
I haven't read all the posts. But I'm all for a celebration of all different faiths. I'm wondering how we can get something like this started at our own school. I would love for my kids to learn more about different cultures and celebrations.
I agree! My son's kindergarten class has a multicultural curriculum. This week they learned how various countries celebrate Christmas. He told me how many Australians go to the beach on Christmas. Today for show and tell the kids brought in beach towels, sunglasses, and hats and were 'going to Australia' to celebrate the holiday. Last week they learned all about Chanukah, next week they'll learn about Kawanza and the New Year. So far my son likes Chanukah the best and said he wants to be Jewish when he grows up! Too cute.
Throughout the year they learn different holiday traditions of various religions. He attends a private, secular school. I don't know if this is why they educate so thoroughly at such a young age? We don't have public school experience yet...my son is only 6.
My son's kindergarten class made latkes from scratch and talked about Chanukah traditions. He learned the Dreidel song. He was so excited from learning about latkes that he came home that night and made latkes for the whole family. We loved it.
That's awesome! As I said earlier, this particular subject should be a case of "all or nothing" - either don't celebrate any religion-based holidays, or cover ALL of them! There's no harm in celebrating other cultures and religions, whether or not they're represented in that classroom population... in fact, I think it's even more important in a non-diverse class, since they wouldn't be exposed otherwise. Education is the best way to fight ignorance, right?
I agree! My son's kindergarten class has a multicultural curriculum. This week they learned how various countries celebrate Christmas. He told me how many Australians go to the beach on Christmas. Today for show and tell the kids brought in beach towels, sunglasses, and hats and were 'going to Australia' to celebrate the holiday. Last week they learned all about Chanukah, next week they'll learn about Kawanza and the New Year. So far my son likes Chanukah the best and said he wants to be Jewish when he grows up! Too cute.
Throughout the year they learn different holiday traditions of various religions. He attends a private, secular school. I don't know if this is why they educate so thoroughly at such a young age? We don't have public school experience yet...my son is only 6.
I think that is wonderful!! Maybe I'll start something like that at home with my kids with each holiday. My kids are in a public school, they really go all out for Christmas, which they enjoy immensly, but it would be nice also to celebrate and learn what other traditions are around the world for other cultures and religions
My daughter is really into Abraham Lincoln, we celebrate him during the month of February with books and a mini celebration with her teacups! LOL
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She didn't mean to be rude, but that's just the problem... even living in Oregon, some people were simply ignorant about the Jewish people/faith, and would say stupid things on a regular basis. Now before anyone jumps on me, I realize not everyone is like this - but a much larger majority are, and that's why I'm happier living in a diverse place like San Francisco. Nothing wrong with the Bible-Belt if it makes you happy, but I know it wouldn't be a great place for someone like me (a loud-mouthed, opinionated Jewish gal).
