President's Page

In this section
   This Month
   Archive

December 2004

Chanukah falls on the early side this year (the first candle is lit on Tuesday evening, December 7.) The Festival of Lights is a wonderful joy and comfort at this time of year, as the nights get longer and longer and the temperatures drop. The joy, wonder in ancient miracles, and delight in lights, however, can sometimes be accompanied by a sense of tension. We live in a predominantly Christian country, and in December Christmas images, messages, and music permeate our daily lives. We are reminded, in a physical, immediate way, that we are part of a minority group. Issues such as Christmas carols in the public schools (a perennial issue during my childhood in rural upstate New York ) can leave us feeling ambivalent about the holiday season. And for our many members who are part of interfaith families, the season of menorahs and Christmas trees brings additional questions and challenges.

Rachel Prabhakar, BAJC President, with her daughter, Ella

These ch allenges are hardly new – indeed, the Jewish community in America has been struggling with issues of celebrating Chanukah in a Christmas world for over 150 years. While trends have changed over time – Chanukah bushes, no Chanukah bushes – the basic issues remain. Each family must strike its own balance.

I am sure that the balance in my family will change as our children grow older. As Maya and Ella grow, messages from school, expectations of peers, and the lure of presents, presents, and more presents, will likely influence them, and may make the season more ch allenging. For now, though, it is a wonderful season. I love celebrating Chanukah with my family. We have lights and latkes. In our family, the tradition is to exchange gifts on the fourth night of Chanukah, which was my great-grandfather’s birthday. Gifts are sm all, simple, and preferably homemade. While I love Chanukah, I also enjoy the Christmas season. I love the trees lit up on Main Street, and the decorations in the shop windows. I love the bustle, and the air of excitement. I love the fact that I don’t have to participate in the commercialism and materialism that have become such a strong part of the Christmas experience. I love admiring friends’ Christmas trees.

The Chasidic tradition draws a connection between the lights of Chanukah and the Creation – “And God said: Let there be light!” Whatever the holiday balance in your family, I hope that your homes and hearts are filled with that primordial light, and that it is reflected in the eyes of your loved ones.

Happy Chanukah,

- Rachel