Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Honoring heritage by being proud of it

By MINDY RUBENSTEIN
Published December 16, 2006

My 2-year-old daughter likes to take walks at night and see the Christmas lights in our Meadow Pointe neighborhood. She points out giant snowmen and reindeer whose heads move up and down.

It's just a pretty sight - for now.

But in the years to come the lights will take on new meaning as she discovers that those around us celebrate a holiday that we don't.

We are Jewish, and in the minority.

That fact is more obvious at this time of year when almost daily, people wish us "Merry Christmas" as we leave stores and restaurants.

Usually I smile back and say, "You too." But as my children begin to understand what that means, I may be more inclined to point out that we have a different background.

My great-grandparents came to this country from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s to escape anti-Semitism. And they soon learned how to blend in and assimilate into the non-Jewish culture.

I can understand their struggle, but I'm learning to honor my heritage by proudly showing its beauty to my children and others in the community.

While some Jewish families give their children presents from Santa and even put up Christmas trees, my husband and I have decided to teach our children that it's wonderful to be Jewish - that we have beautiful, meaningful holidays of our own that we are fortunate to celebrate.

I've heard people comment that Jewish children are lucky because they get eight nights of presents. But for us, the holiday is not just about gifts and eating potato latkes fried in oil, although they create a fun experience for the family.

Hanukkah is yet another reminder that our religion has survived persecution and overcome obstacles through every generation.

I'm realizing now that we shouldn't take for granted the fact that we live in a place where it's okay to openly practice our religion and be who we are.

The best way to honor the generations who fought to hold onto our traditions is to teach our children to be proud of them, so they will see that quietly blending in is not the only option.

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 00:21:24]