This year has felt more “Christmassy” than previous years. Partly it’s been because of the preparations for Christmas programs in my own and the Chinese congregation. But another reason is Haifa’s annual “Holiday of Holidays” when Christmas, Hanukkah, and a Muslim holiday (although I’ve never received a conclusive answer for which one) are celebrated. A […]
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Tag: Christmas
Ambivalent Joy… Getting through the Holidays
What kind of a title is that? I suppose it actually expresses quite well my gut feelings when it comes to the Christmas and New Year holidays. But the more I think about it, I wonder if you too meet this season with a certain ambivalence at times. Now don’t get me wrong… we have […]
Hanukkah Musings
Recently a friend sent an article to me written by well-known commentator, author, and lawyer, Ben Shapiro. In it he critiques the understanding of Hanukkah by turning it into the Jewish version of Christmas. He points out that Hanukkah “after all, is about a war: a war against Hellenism, the attempt by Greek forces to […]
Easter for Christmas
I learned something new this Christmas season—how to openly enjoy and grieve the holiday, while totally rejoicing in and enjoying the holiday. I write about it here in this guest blog post that I was asked to write: The Year I Forgot About Christmas. I hope you will take the time to read it, since this […]
Joy, Joy, Joy
As many of you know, I have gone to the USA for my step-daughter’s graduation. This visit has been filled with only joy and answered prayers. From attending Emily’s graduation from university, with honors, to singing with Andrea in her congregation’s Christmas concert and spending the day with the grandchildren playing games, visiting a “live” […]
