Chavarah- Jewish Community Learning

A blog of Jewish study and traditions. Notes from classes: Torah Study with Rabbi Marder, Toledot and Shabbaton as well as other details found of interest.

IF you want to be part of our Chavarah email group let me know at carol@traditionsrenewed.com

Saturday, April 30, 2005

About the Tree - a symbol of what?

First Christmas is a Christian Holiday - and while the tree is originally pagan... the times make it a Christmas symbol.

Back to the question: Is it appropriate to take a symbol from a different faith and rationalize it as Jewish?

Well some traditions in Reform Judaism come from Christianity - the Confirmation service comes to mind as one.

But on the other hand, if I saw a beautiful decorative cross that I liked, I would not wear it or put it in my home because it sends the wrong message. The "cross" is clearly a Christian symbol, no doubts.

There are many opinions about Jews having trees and we only touched on a few of the arguments at class today.

Here are a few interesting links to opinions on the subject:

Case History for Having a Tree


Hanukkah Bush?

What Jews Do On Christmas
It is a good time for Jews to be good citizens and strengthen the bond with our Christian neighbors

The Jewish Christmas

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home