How to Explain That Hanukkah is Not Jewish Christmas

Many people believe that Hanukkah (or Chanukah) and Christmas are celebrations that are roughly equivalent, in part because they are celebrated at roughly the same time and perhaps because Hanukkah is often called the Festival of Light. However, these two holidays are celebrated for very different reasons.

Instructions

1. Give your non-Jewish friends an explanation of the reason for the Hanukkah holiday. Hanukkah means rededication and occurred when Judah of Maccabee, who fought against overwhelming odds, had won a war against Syrians occupying Judea. They entered Judea and rededicated the ruined temple. To do so, they had to keep the Menorah lit, but there was only enough oil to do so for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days, until a new supply could be acquired.

2. Contrast the two holidays by saying that while Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, who ushered in a new religion and culture, Hanukkah is about preserving a religion and culture from those who sought to change it.

3. Explain that Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Israel and that presents are not exchanged. Instead, the holiday is celebrated by eating oily foods and spinning a dreidel, a sort of top.

4. Invite non-Jewish friends to your home during Hanukkah so they can see it celebrated. They will see how different it is from the celebration of Christmas.

Tips & Warnings

• If a non-Jewish friend agrees to celebrate Hanukkah with you, return the favor and learn more about how this friend celebrates Christmas. Remember that Jesus was a Jew even if he wasn't the messiah in the eyes and hearts of those of the Jewish faith.

• Take care not to turn your explanation of Hanukkah into a debate about the relative merits of Judaism versus Christianity or a lecture about how many Jews feel they have been mistreated by Christians. This won't foster an appreciation for diversity.