Jewish Christmas. Is it a Thing?

As stores promote Christmas earlier every year, the Jewish community has more time to ponder “December dilemma” questions. How should Jews approach Christmas? Can Jews celebrate Christmas? Is there such as thing as Jewish Christmas? Or Jewish Christmas trees? Or should we embrace our own Jewish Christmas traditions such as eating Chinese food on Christmas Day?

Moment asked experts, clergy and community members their ideas and opinions on celebrating Jewish Christmas.

Can Christmas Be Kosher?

Is it OK for Jews to have Christmas trees?

Every year, Jews face the “December dilemma”—what to do on Christmas? In his book A Kosher Christmas, Rabbi Joshua Eli Plaut writes about the evolution of Jewish Christmas traditions in the United States, from the late 1800s to our days. The book is full of historical references to private and public lives, furnished with curiosities and fun facts—did you know that Theodor Herzl decorated his house in Vienna with a Christmas tree?

Read the interview with author Rabbi Joshua Eli Plaut.

Why Do Jews Eat Chinese Food on Christmas?

Jews & Chinese Food: A Love Story

‘Twas the night before Christmas and there was hardly a sound,
As Jews jumped in their cars and drove to Chinatown.
Their orders were given to waiters with care,
In hopes that wonton soup soon would be there.

Should Jewish Children Sing Christmas Carols

Ask the Rabbis:

Should Jewish Children Sing Christmas Carols?

American Jews have a complicated and evolving relationship with Christmas. And just as the gentiles are increasingly participating in Jewish customs (ex. Chinese food and the movies) so too are Jews increasingly engaging with Christmas traditions. One of these is the singing of Christmas carols. Back in 2005, we explored this in an edition of our famed “Ask the Rabbis” column.

Some of their answers may surprise you. Read them here.

My First Christmas, Again

Celebrating Christmas as a Jew by Choice

This past Saturday my family sat around the Christmas tree to unwrap presents. As I was negotiating the space between my faith community of choice and that of my birth, so too were my relatives. I realized that this experience—my first Christmas as a Jew—was not only my own, but shared among my family. Just as I was nervous about coming to the table that year, I suspect that each of them felt a bit of trepidation as well.

Read the Christmas story here.

RBG’s Brave & Brilliant Women: 33 Jewish Women to Inspire Everyone

This collection of biographies of brave and brilliant Jewish women was selected in collaboration with the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg and includes an introduction written by the Supreme Court justice herself. This intergenerational book features a roster of inspirational historical role models and recounts the life story of RBG and why these women were important to her. Includes a call to action. (from Random House)

‘This book is a treasure, filled with stories of remarkable Jewish women. Some of the names will sound familiar, many are not; all deserve more attention for their courage and determination. It‘s great reading for girls—and boys—eager for role models–and the rest of the family too!’ (Ann F. Lewis, former White House Communications Director)

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