December 2007
How a Nice Jewish Girl Did Christmas —
and Chanukah Too!
By Suzan Berns
It’s a tough season for many Jews – particularly if you’re a Jewish kid. In the Conservative (religiously, not politically) Jewish household in a small Midwestern Jewish community where I grew up, we did Chanukah. And we didn’t compete with Christmas.
We Jewish families lit candles and waited for our nightly gift, which was always utilitarian and, need I say, disappointing (though Grandma and Grandpa did come through with something special at the family latke party). Of course, since Chanukah is based on the Jewish calendar, it was often long gone by December 25... [Continued]
Eight Special Nights of Chanukah
Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which this year falls on Tuesday evening, December 4. But whether it’s closer to Thanksgiving or Christmas, or somewhere in between, you can be sure that the sun will set early and the nights will be long.
Why not use Chanukah as an amazing opportunity to turn eight consecutive nights during the dark and chilly winter into moments of light and sharing for your family. First light the Chanukah candles, and then engage the whole family in special activities... [Continued]
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Almost every culture (and religion) has a winter solstice holiday that celebrates light and brings together family and friends in a celebration of interdependency and connectedness. For interfaith families, December can be a challenging month. Christmas looms large. If you love it or hate it, it can become a monster for your relationship... [Continued]
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The December holidays offer all of us an opportunity to reconnect, to find light in the darkest time of the year and to focus on the miracles that already exist in our lives. For many of us it means time off from work or school, sharing in holiday meals and retelling stories representing freedom, miracles and new beginnings... [Continued]
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Chanukah at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa will be especially festive this year. The congregation, which moved into its new home last April, will combine a dedication of its sanctuary with a Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m. The word Chanukah means “dedication,” so the blending of the two occasions is particularly appropriate... [Continued]
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Jewish Community Centers in the North and South Peninsula will each be having a “palooza” of a Chanukah festival to celebrate the upcoming holiday.Bring the whole gang for the Family Dance-Off, one of many a ctivities on the agenda at the Chanukah Challa-Palooza on Sunday, Dec. 2... [Continued]
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