Dear Friends,
The Jewish community in the United States has never had difficulty finding ways to enjoy and participate in Christmas. As a child, I loved the fact that I could join my friend Brian Galloway (Irish Catholic) first thing in the morning to open his gifts under the tree and then spend the afternoon with my friend Chris Nico (Italian Catholic) with his family around the tree. Of course, Christmas Eve was reserved for Chinese food and a movie -a longstanding holiday tradition for all American Jews.
Many of us had similar experiences growing up, and as adults our Christmas traditions continue. Many of us have family members who are not Jewish, and we have the joy of sharing this sacred day with them. Others may choose to spend the day bringing joy and love to the world by doing a special mitzvah (if you are looking for such a mitzvah consider joining HCRJ at the Turning Point Center at 10:45AM to serve a Christmas brunch to the residents).
Whatever the case may be, Christmas in America has become part of the fabric of our society regardless of our faith. So in that spirit, I wish everyone in our congregation a day filled with love of family and friends and caring for the world in around us.
L’Shalom–Steve