Wow, my head is spinning a bit – like a dreidel – not like a Christmas tree ornament, as far as I know they’re not supposed to spin.  Christmas tree ornaments shine, sparkle they might twirl a bit if someone rushes by and a sudden gust of air sways them but you do not yank one off the tree, hold it by a fragile end and have a room cheering you as you try to spin it on the floor.  I’d venture to say it would break and everyone in the room would be offended that you treated a religious symbol of Christmas in such a disrespectful way!  I would agree!  Christmas tree ornaments should stay on the Christmas tree where they can speak meaningfully to those who chose them carefully and look forward to the memories they evoke each year as the tree is decorated.  Christmas is a holiday that has its own message of profound importance to Christians.  I am Jewish and I am offended at the thought of spinning anything Christmasee as if it were a dreidel.

I am profoundly offended by Chrismukkah!  For those of you who are not familiar with this term or its significance (as I was until very recently), Chrismukkah is the hybrid celebration of Chanukah and Christmas.  I assume it is aimed at interfaith families or anyone who isn’t connected to any particular faith but wants a good celebration nonetheless.  Chrismukkah betrays both Judaism and Christianity while it invites everyone in with the sole purpose of partying.

Chanukah bears a powerful message of Jewish identity, unity and creativity while not compromising on Jewish expression because the world outside thinks you should.  Chrismukkah offends these Jewish messages.  Christmas speaks to a Christian of redemption, salvation and hope with the birth of a Christian saviour.  Chrismukkah offends these Christian messages also.

I understand the challenge of political correctness and family celebrations where there are multiple faiths within one family.  I urge anyone in these positions to find a way to maintain the integrity of each faith – especially if your intention is to engage your children with their spirituality – teach them the distinctiveness of faith expressions, not the insultingly superficial party side of it.

Interesting, Chrismukkah itself hasn’t been around all that long and it’s already headed the way of commercialization – watch this video and see how a hybrid of offense is used as a marketing bonanza.

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah

I’m not usually so negative about things but with the world the way it is these days, shouldn’t we be thinking of ways to help each other respect another view rather than trash them all?

It is Chanukah right now – celebrate it and enjoy.  In a short time, when Dec. 25 rolls round and if you have Christian friends, make sure to wish them a Merry Christmas, forget the Merry Mazel-tovs.

Since Chanukah began, I have managed to celebrate with different friends, family in real time and face to face on each night.

You see, my entire family lives elsewhere and I just NEEDED to be included in their Chanukah candle lighting this year.  So, I coordinated with my sister and we met on Skype just in time. An added bonus that we were also celebrating Shabbat!  

While my sister-in-law couldn’t get over the fact that we communicating like the Jetsons did, we all recited the brachot and sang Ha’nerot Halalu.  Truly a moment.

Yesterday, I celebrated the second night of Chanukah with over 200 Russian-Israeli Jews in Thornhill at their community celebration.  The ‘setlist’ of the show included such favourites as Tumbalalaika and a traditional Russian dance dedicated to all of the Babuskas and Dedushkas in attendance. A whole new experience with such a familiar feel.

And tonight, after a couple hours of peeling, grating and frying, I have consumed my annual quota of latkes.  Classic potato latkes, with options of sour cream, maple syrup and applesauce as toppings.  The 3 adult attendees at this evening’s feast each had their own favourite topping and the child enjoyed the applesauce best. Mostly without the latke.  So, I created a quiz to get feedback from our readers out there.

CLICK the link to take the quiz!

http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/biNYFNU/The-Perfect-Potato-Latke

HAPPY CHANUKAH TO ALL!

You’ve heard the old saying!

When faced with the challenge of how to light the Chanukah candles this year and your family breaks out into a debate, watch this video and enLIGHTen (pardon the pun) yourselves.

While the term Shepping Nachas is typically reserved for the 55+ crowd, I shepped.  Yesterday was my very best friends’ daughter’s Chanukah concert at daycare. Her first public performance, the actions to which she boldly practiced at home, in restaurants and in class.  The children were dressed in colourful smocks and dreidel crowns but remained lined up ‘backstage’.  Camcorders, iPhones and digital cameras were ready! As the children entered (my ‘niece’ leading the way to the carpet), marching to the beat of a Chanukah classic, they were stunned. All stunned.  There were far too many adults in the room, clapping and bopping for the toddlers to be comfortable. Over the sobs, whines and screeches, the classroom teachers and audience members contributed to the freilach feeling of celebration. All this little girl wanted was her mommy.

It was really remarkable to look around the room and watch people spanning in age from 18 months to experienced grandparents, Jews from Russia, Israel, Winnipeg and Toronto, all celebrating as a community.  The parents and teachers who instill this value and meaning into the lives of these little ones are really the individuals I’m shepping nachas from.

Below are a few of the highlights:

Leading the way...

Front and Centre!

Teacher's Pet

Check out a couple of the great videos that are found online in the spirit of Chanukah: