From the Maccabees to the IDF: 6 things you need to know about Hanukah

There seems to be a lot of confusion about Hanukah – to the point where it appears to be deliberate. Let’s begin with what it’s not about. 1. It’s not a Jewish Christmas In many circles, Hanukah seems to have become an imitation Christmas – a holiday of food, lights, decorations, and gifts. This is … More From the Maccabees to the IDF: 6 things you need to know about Hanukah

My diaspora Hanukah vs my Israeli Hanukah

My American Hanukah’s were tainted by Christmas. Without even realizing it, the way my family celebrated Hanukah was a reflection, not of our Jewish holiday or it’s true meaning but rather of the holiday that our Christian friends and neighbors were celebrating. The homes of our Christian friends were covered in Christmas decorations. Our home … More My diaspora Hanukah vs my Israeli Hanukah

My Jewish perspective on the “War on Christmas”

Whoever would have thought that manger scenes and mall Santas could become a topic of contention in America? That saying “Merry Christmas” is becoming taboo in some circles? Wow. I spent the first decade and a half of my life in America. Most of my neighbors were Christian, not Jewish. They put up Christmas lights … More My Jewish perspective on the “War on Christmas”

A message from a Jew to Christians everywhere: Put Christ back in Christmas, for all our sakes!

When you Google “Christmas” the search results bring up lots of pictures of Christmas trees, holiday lights and presents. While all of those things are very nice I can’t help but think of what should be there and isn’t – Christ. I am Jewish. I don’t “believe in Jesus.” Judaism and living in Israel has … More A message from a Jew to Christians everywhere: Put Christ back in Christmas, for all our sakes!