DS attends Jewish preschool. Wants to celebrate Jewish holidays.

[Anonymous]

We aren't Hindu but we are immersed in Diwali stuff and as such the season is now associated for us with our Christian holiday. Judging by my Hindu neighbors leaving their Diwali lights up for Christmas, it goes both ways.

It sounds like your son is interested in the Jewish celebrations, maybe he is drawn to the religious aspect. Isn't that how people join a faith? I understand conversion to Judaism is not as common and not a focus of the religion, but it does happen. Your son may be interested in pursuing some faith options.

We celebrate other faith traditions with our friends even though we are Catholic. I wouldn't have an issue if my kids asked to participate in another religious tradition.

[Anonymous]

How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

None. Do it up how you want and in a way that is meaningful to you!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:DS attends a Jewish preschool while we work. He’s attended since he was a baby. He wants to celebrate Jewish holidays, especially Hanukkah, Passover, Purim, Yom Kippur & Rosa Hashanah.

We are not Jewish and anything I know about Judaism is what I’ve learned from his preschool. We are irreligious and celebrate a secular Christmas.

Is it appropriate for non-Jews to carry out Jewish traditions? Most of his friends from school are Jewish and I think he feels left out?

Jew here, and we're happy to have you celebrate.
Unlike the other posters who would look to exclude you ("I would feel weird" etc), I say do it.
I would ask someone at your son's preschool about where you could find out more info.

They'll be happy to direct you, as we're an inclusive religion... the more the merrier.

We’re not that inclusive ... we don’t even try to convert people.

Inclusive is not the same as trying to convert.

If you mean we welcome people into our homes to be part of our celebrations then yeah — fine.

But why would non-Jews light a menorah in their house? Is it not inclusive of me to think that’s weird? It’s a religious ritual.

NP. Honestly who cares? How does what another does in their home affect what you do in yours? Them doing this in a manner they choose does not impact the religiosity of your own family’s custom.

Lighting a menorah isn’t just religious in my house.

Is it ok for a non-Christian to take communion?

I didn’t know Christians took Communion at home. People are free to do what they want in their homes. They are not impinging on your right to celebrate your religion.

So because a good deal of what Jews do happens at home, it’s less important to reserve it for Jews?

Our prayers are no less sacred than your church rituals, just because they happen in our homes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

None. Do it up how you want and in a way that is meaningful to you!

Fine, when it comes to secular things.

But don’t go around lighting the menorah or having a sedar just because it’s “meaningful” for you.

Just like I won’t sit there reciting the Catholic grace and crossing myself. I’m not Catholic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

None. Do it up how you want and in a way that is meaningful to you!

But someone before said I could offend them by things I do in my own home. Should I put my son’s foreskin back on or rename my daughter Mary to something entirely secular like Apple? Also how are they so offended by something they cannot see unless they are peeking in my window? So confusing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

None. Do it up how you want and in a way that is meaningful to you!

But someone before said I could offend them by things I do in my own home. Should I put my son’s foreskin back on or rename my daughter Mary to something entirely secular like Apple? Also how are they so offended by something they cannot see unless they are peeking in my window? So confusing.

You are really so dense.

For many people, their religion means something to them. The notion of you lighting a menorah if you’re not Jewish, saying Christian prayers without being Christian, etc. is offensive.

Can you seriously not comprehend that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:DS attends a Jewish preschool while we work. He’s attended since he was a baby. He wants to celebrate Jewish holidays, especially Hanukkah, Passover, Purim, Yom Kippur & Rosa Hashanah.

We are not Jewish and anything I know about Judaism is what I’ve learned from his preschool. We are irreligious and celebrate a secular Christmas.

Is it appropriate for non-Jews to carry out Jewish traditions? Most of his friends from school are Jewish and I think he feels left out?

Jew here, and we're happy to have you celebrate.
Unlike the other posters who would look to exclude you ("I would feel weird" etc), I say do it.
I would ask someone at your son's preschool about where you could find out more info.

They'll be happy to direct you, as we're an inclusive religion... the more the merrier.

We’re not that inclusive ... we don’t even try to convert people.

Inclusive is not the same as trying to convert.

If you mean we welcome people into our homes to be part of our celebrations then yeah — fine.

But why would non-Jews light a menorah in their house? Is it not inclusive of me to think that’s weird? It’s a religious ritual.

NP. Honestly who cares? How does what another does in their home affect what you do in yours? Them doing this in a manner they choose does not impact the religiosity of your own family’s custom.

Lighting a menorah isn’t just religious in my house.

Is it ok for a non-Christian to take communion?

I didn’t know Christians took Communion at home. People are free to do what they want in their homes. They are not impinging on your right to celebrate your religion.

So because a good deal of what Jews do happens at home, it’s less important to reserve it for Jews?

Our prayers are no less sacred than your church rituals, just because they happen in our homes.

I totally agree with you. but others may also do what they wish, how they wish as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How Jewish or Christian does one have to be to celebrate the holidays?

None. Do it up how you want and in a way that is meaningful to you!

But someone before said I could offend them by things I do in my own home. Should I put my son’s foreskin back on or rename my daughter Mary to something entirely secular like Apple? Also how are they so offended by something they cannot see unless they are peeking in my window? So confusing.

You are really so dense.

For many people, their religion means something to them. The notion of you lighting a menorah if you’re not Jewish, saying Christian prayers without being Christian, etc. is offensive.

Can you seriously not comprehend that?

If I want to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah or Eid or Diwali in a manner that makes sense to me how does that affect what the day means to you? It doesn’t. You do you and let others do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What were you expecting sending him to a Jewish preschool?

But unless you want to explore conversion (doesn’t sound like it) I think it would be weird to celebrate Jewish holidays without any connection to the religion.

My husband was raised Jewish so we celebrate Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah, break-the-fast, and Passover at my inlaws but we don’t belong to a Temple or anything like that. My kids will not be bar/bat mitzvah’d.

I went to catholic schools my whole life and so did many of my family/friends eventhough we are practicing, very religious Muslims. No-one wants to convert. all of the faith systems in the world, all human beings really, have similar values and I dont see why sending someone to Jewish preschool is any different than sending someone to a church based school especially since christianity is at heart an evangelizing faith. I love all the pomp and circumstance around Christmas/yule traditions and we celebrated at school but my parents inculcated in us the idea of celebrating WITH someone as opposed to owning the celebration. This actually comes in handier when you are teaching kids about grieving with someone, we should know how to share in joy and sorrow without co-opting it for ourselves, something doesn't have to matter in your life only b/c it is your own, it can matter b/c it matters to others and we all should love and care for one another. I grew up with a lot of kids celebrating Christmas and Jewish holidays, my kids in turn are also exposed to Diwali and Chinese New Year and look forward to them and love celebrating with their friends, but we dont celebrate in our home. I also share a previous posters sentiment that most Jewish holidays are ways to commemorate the resilience of the Jewish people during times of extreme difficulty and are not just "YAYYYY" celebrations the same way Christmas is and so shouldn't be treated as just excuses to party.

[Anonymous]

If your child is interested in religions why not consider adopting one? Just don't water down other people's beliefs pretending you "celebrate" as if you are a faithful member of that religion. It's very odd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child is interested in religions why not consider adopting one? Just don't water down other people's beliefs pretending you "celebrate" as if you are a faithful member of that religion. It's very odd.

You are not watering anything down unless the other person’s faith is so shallow as to be negatively impacted by why and how you celebrate the religion or decorate during whatever holiday/festival. Your faith or degree of faith is personal and no less significant than another’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is interested in religions why not consider adopting one? Just don't water down other people's beliefs pretending you "celebrate" as if you are a faithful member of that religion. It's very odd.

You are not watering anything down unless the other person’s faith is so shallow as to be negatively impacted by why and how you celebrate the religion or decorate during whatever holiday/festival. Your faith or degree of faith is personal and no less significant than another’s.

So I can do whatever I want when it comes to someone else’s religion, so long as it’s in my house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is interested in religions why not consider adopting one? Just don't water down other people's beliefs pretending you "celebrate" as if you are a faithful member of that religion. It's very odd.

You are not watering anything down unless the other person’s faith is so shallow as to be negatively impacted by why and how you celebrate the religion or decorate during whatever holiday/festival. Your faith or degree of faith is personal and no less significant than another’s.

So I can do whatever I want when it comes to someone else’s religion, so long as it’s in my house?

Yes (well not human/animal sacrifice). Why should people care? Religion and its trappings are entirely a personal. It is ridiculous and a waste of time for people to get “offended” by how others do their own thing. Like a crucifix on the wall? Put one up. Like a menorah or mezuzah? Put one up. Want a shrine in your home to a Hindu or Shinto deity, do it. Want to do it while saying prayers or no prayers? Fine. You religious people get so uppity in trying to say you have ownership over trappings and ritual...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He is in preschool. Just redirect him after saying you aren’t Jewish.

Hold on! Jews aren't Christians but put.up Christmas trees and give Christmas gifts as well as Hanukka, (sp?) so let him celebrate them. Most stores are owned by Jews and they have no problem decorating for Christmas andand counting Christmas as their highest profit season. So, why can't a young child, whose parents sent him to a Jewish preschool, celebrate Jewish holidays as well?!

excuse me?? this post is antisemitic and should be deleted. the casual anti jewish sentiment in this day and age is absolutely disgusting. (i am not jewish or christian)