LETTERS

Letter to the New Jersey Jewish News

GIMME’ A LIGHT

To the Editor,

The question Johanna Ginsburg raises in her article "To light or not to light" (NJJN - December 18, 2003) is a common one this time of year. I recall feeling uncomfortable the first time I witnessed "holiday lights" on a Jewish home. However, there is another way to look at this issue. Hanging dreidel lights (as Ms. Ginsburg chose to do) or other Hanukkah decorations on ones home need not be cause for the alarmist claims of assimilation.

The commandment of Hanukkah, as dictated in the Talmud, is Pirsume Nisa (publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah). We do this by lighting the chanukkiah and placing it in the window facing the street for all to see. In fact, this public religious display is a sine qua non for the proper performance of this mitzvah. Putting our Hanukkah candles in the window (or decorating our home with flashing dreidel lights) is making a statement." The statement of Jewish pride. We should be grateful that we are able publicize the miracle of Hanukkah." Unfortunately, due to anti-Semitism in many places around the globe, other Jews would never even consider practicing such a display of Jewish faith and pride.

The article concerning the anonymous Jewish family with a Christmas tree (NJJN – December 25, 2003) is a different story. While lights hanging on ones home may have no inherent religious significance, the Christmas evergreen tree represents "the eternal life of Jesus the Christ," writes Ron Wolfson in his book The Art of Jewish Living - Hanukkah. The tree is symbolic of the cross, its star is the Star of Bethlehem, and its sap is reminiscent of the blood of Christ. Thus, a Jewish family with a tree seems more a submission to Christian practice. My recommendation for this family: use those evergreens for the roof of your sukkah next Fall!

Jason A. Miller
Caldwell, NJ