photo by: © 2010 slgckgc, Source: Flickr, found with Wylio.com
It is an acknowledged fact that the Jewish Calendar is perplexing. Following a lunar-solar schedule, it can be difficult to keep track of the holidays. Which only explains part of the following conversation.
So doesn’t your holiday start on December 11th?
“That was last year. Started last night, as a matter of fact.”
Oh. So what is the holiday about anyway.
So I explain about the struggle to assert religious differences, the Temple, oil, and Chanukah’s proximIty to Christmas has created the tradition of gift-giving to become a part of our observance.
So it’s not because of the Wise Men?
[Somehow I don't think that she is referring to the Sanhedrin...]
“Um…no, no wise men involved here. We don’t have the wise men.“
You do have Jesus, though.
Don’t have Jesus either.
But…but they’re in the Bible. Ya know, the New Testament.
“Oh. That’s not part of our Bible. So it’s not there.”
Isn’t that weird?
“Not for us.”
This is not the first time that someone has expressed shock that Jews do not read what Christians refer to as the “New Testament.” What I sometimes ask those individuals is whether they regard the Koran as part of the Bible. Just as the Koran is recognized as holy to Muslims, so to do we recognize that those books that comprise the Christian Scriptures is sacred…to Christians. In this particular instance, however, I just had a feeling that this line of questioning might just confuse things.
Rebecca Yaël Schorr can also be found at Frume Sarah’s World.
As usual, it was a pleasure to read your work, Rebecca. I am always reminded to teach my children the fine art of being aware that their thoughts and perspectives are but an intricate part of the whole picture.
Thanks so much for your compliment, Britton. And it really is an art, isn’t it?
I think that being open-minded, respectful, and kind towards others and their faith is the ultimate high five in God’s eyes. Personally, I was raised Catholic, and still practice in my faith, but I am also a buffet kind of gal, and I love taking from what others have to offer in the way of spiritual awakening and knowledge about what else happens to be out there.
At the end of the day, love prevails, and that, I think, should be the foundation for all of us.
Great essay!