If you know me well, you'll know that I don't eat pork. It's an odd dietary stipulation, especially if you're from Indiana where pork tenderloins reign supreme. When I tell people this, I get a mixture of responses and questions that are always a bit difficult to answer. I get the same questions when I tell people I celebrate Chanukah/Hanukkah. Since Chanukah is upon us, and in the interest of promoting respect for different beliefs and cultures, I thought I'd address some of those questions here.
1. Are you Jewish?
Ah, no. You see, my friend, it is very difficult to become a Jew if you are not born one. It's considered both a race and religion because of this. To be Jewish, your mother must be a Jew. You can convert, of course, but this looks different for all branches of Judaism, much like it does for various denominations of Christianity. While I know the basic practices of the religion and the traditions for celebrating holidays, I am no expert on it. I am also satisfied with my current belief system and have no desire to convert. If I ever do decide that Judaism is something I would like to further pursue and participate in, I'll let you know.
2. Is there something wrong with you?
I don't think so, but that's kind of subjective. You can think what you want.
3. Since you're not Jewish, is it offensive for you to celebrate?
I've been worried about this as well. I've asked my parents before and they've assured me that it's fine. We don't claim to be Jewish, we haven't twisted their traditions into something beyond recognition nor do we do it to tease or ridicule. It's just something we like to recognize and celebrate each December.
4. Does this mean you're not a Christian?
No. It's simply a family tradition that comes from another religion and culture.
5. What is Chanukah?
Hanukkah – or as it is also spelled, Chanukah- is an eight-day festival of light. It begins at sundown on the 25th evening of the Jewish month Kislev. It is not like Christmas, which occurs on the same date every year. This year, Hanukkah occurs from December 24 to January 1, 2017.
Hanukkah is the celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and spirituality over materiality, among other things. It is celebrated in memory of the defeat of the Syrian – Greeks, who had conquered the Holy Land, by a band of faithful Jews. These Jews recaptured Jerusalem’s Holy Temple and rededicated it to the service of God.
When they went to light the Holy Temple’s menorah, they found only a small amount of uncontaminated oil. That supply, which was only enough to light the candles for one day, lasted for eight. By then, new oil had been prepared and purified.
To commemorate the miracle of the Syrian – Greeks’ defeat and the long lasting oil, the festival of Hanukkah was instated. The lighting of the menorah, playing with the dreidel, and eating foods fried in oil are all traditions of the Hanukkah celebration.
6. What is your favorite part of Chanukah?
I like hearing my dad read the blessings in Hebrew every night. Sometimes we get sufganiyot aka jelly donuts, and we always have latkes aka potato pancakes, which are both delicious. Mostly I just like to spend a little bit of time with my family in the evenings. More often than not, it's hard to find time to do that.
7. Why did you start celebrating Chanukah?
I don't remember. It's been 5 and a half years since we started. I know my dad has an interest in Judaism. I know my mom has a deep respect for that culture. I know we like spending time together as a family and learning as much as we can about other things. I know it's important to us now.
8. Why do you celebrate Chanukah?
It's a search for light, same as the Christian advent. It's facing darkness, same as the Christian advent. It's rebellion, same as following Jesus in some cultures. It is hope, it is unity. It is all rooted in the same thing. It is important to my family and it gives my dad a chance to be a little more religious than he can be from a church pew.
As the holiday season continues, I hope that you will be supportive and understanding of the different traditions and beliefs held by your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Shalom.
