Re “New Converts Face December Dilemma”
Dec. 3: Being born in Los Angeles and of Jewish faith, I believe that I have a very positive outlook on Christmas and Hanukkah. I treat Christmas as a birthday party--which it is. I can enjoy the pleasures of this birthday, enjoying the lights, the music and the joy of the day (and season). But that doesn’t mean that I have to celebrate the day. It is not my birthday.
Everyone has been a guest at someone’s birthday party. I would hope all guests at every birthday party thoroughly enjoy themselves. When attending a birthday party, most guests bring presents to the host of the party. I feel no problem in giving Christmas presents to my Christian friends. I would hope they would reciprocate when coming to my party.
Christmas as a Christian birthday party can be easily explained to young Jewish children. These same children will also be told of the presents they will receive at their parties. As far as decorating for Christmas, putting on a “happy face” any time is always welcome. And concerning holiday music, it would be a better world if there were more Christmas and Hanukkah music, not less. Can I enjoy Christmas as a guest? Of course. Do I enjoy Hanukkah as my holiday? You bet!
ELLIOT SCHWARTZ
Los Angeles
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I read that some converts to Judaism, formerly Christian, have difficulty giving up the celebration of Christmas. Although understandable, it seems to me that such converts have not fully converted. The difference between Judaism and Christianity is not just a difference between which holidays are celebrated. It is a difference of view of human purpose and destiny. Christians by definition believe that humans are inherently sinful and that Jesus was sacrificed for the sake of sinful humanity in order to enable humans to be “saved,” to enable them to go to heaven when they die, despite their sinful nature. Rabbinic Judaism by definition rejects the idea that the sacrifice of one person or “god-person” will facilitate another person’s divine salvation or entry into heaven, asserting that good works and decent, responsible conduct is what G-d wants of humans.
Christian holidays are built around the central doctrines of the Christian faith. If one no longer believes in such doctrines, then it would be hypocritical to truly celebrate the holidays built upon them.
LARRY SELK
Los Angeles
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Re “Modern Maccabees in Seattle,” Commentary, Dec. 3: The Maccabeans revolved against the Syrians because they wanted religious freedom. The revolt was not an anarchist action, as in Seattle. America was founded on the premise of religious freedom, which calls for the separation of church and state. Michael Lerner should be aware that a rabbi is a spiritual leader, and political commentaries, particularly when they are in error, should be avoided.
WALTER A. WALLMAN
Irvine