Guidelines For The December Dilemma Continued from Page L-1 symbol has n _ o place in the Jewish home. Is it appropriate to give Christmas gifts to Christian friends? It is not inappropriate to give Christmas gifts or cards to our Christian friends if we so desire. These should not be given to our fellow Jews. We present a gift to someone in honor of the holiday he or she celebrates. Should Jewish children participate in Christmas plays in public schools? No Jew, child or adult, should participate in any kind of Christmas observance. To act otherwise is to hold one's own faith in contempt and to view the Christian faith with disrespect by "play-acting" with something sacred to others. Christian themes have no place in a public school. Jewish children should not be expected to participate in these activities. On the other hand, some schools hold a so-called "winter festival" in which an attempt is made to avoid all religious connotations. It is exceedingly hard, however, to draw a distinction. Should we press for equivalent Chanukah observances in the public schools? Chanukah is in no way the equivalent of Christmas, and it neither can nor should be treated in that way. Chanukah is a minor 8 Burning Questions 1) What is the primary mitzvah of Chanukah? 2) Why do we light the Chanukah candles? 3) Who is required to do this mitzvah? 4) When should the candles be lit? 5) How long must the candles burn? 6) Where should the candles be lit? 7) How are the candles placed and lit in the menorah? 8) What is the ceremony for lighting the candles? Answers on Page L-4 eChaid l - l THE JEWISH NEWS 27676 Franklin Road Southfield, Michigan 48034 December 22, 1989 Associate Publisher Arthur M. Horwitz Jewish Experiences for Families Adviser Harlene W. Appelman L-2 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1989 festival in the Jewish calendar, of lesser importance that Pesach or Sukkot. It should not be presented as the Jewish counterpart, either in observance or sanctity, of a major Christian celebration. Furthermore, two violations of the Constitution don't make for a better America. On the other hand, I am not one of those who believe that we must fly in the face of reality, always to our own disadvantage. If the schools ask for Chanukah observance, we won't improve the situation by refusing our aid. This becomes a delicate decision, choosing a lesser of two evils. There are some situations where we should accept the introduction of Chanukah in the public schools, albeit with caution and thoughtfulness. Do we harm our children by directing them not to participate in Christmas celebration? this season of the year, Jewishness becomes associated for too many children (and some adults) not with difference and uniqueness, but with deprivation and denial. If Jewishness means only that we may not have the religious festivals, symbols and songs of others — then an attitude of resentment and regret may be fostered. But if the Jewish way of life includes ritual and celebration, family activity and festivity; if Jewishness is joyous and meaningful, then it becomes a source of pride and leads to a wholesome acceptance of oneself and one's heritage. The question of December is part of the larger issue of affirming Jewish values and making them meaningful in the lives of both the older and the younger generations every day of our lives. 0 The classroom is but one among many places which reveal the existence of differences among the Americans. Religious differences are significant differences. We further our children's personal growth when we teach them this fact by such simple statements as "This is what we do," and "This is what we don't do." Non-participation in Christmas celebrations will not harm the Jewish child whose parents have given him a warm appreciation of his own Jewish heritage. Such harm can ensue only when the absence of affirmative Jewish experience leaves the child in a spiritual vacuum. The problem arises when at Chanukah Word Search DIRECTIONS: The following Chanukah words can be found in the puzzle below. Carefully circle each word. Words may be written top to bottom, bottom to top, diagonally, right to left, or left to right. Once you have completed the puzzle write the unused letters down at the bottom of the page to find a special message for Chanukah. JUDAFITH E EAKEERG HS RNENIHA YIK UT OYINA GFUS S I P I N B OK AO H A L EL 0 MAC AM K OF C A MAHSPLDLR U N See Answers, Page L-5 A H 0 E N P M SRATESMI I MACCABEES S A T A L T I LCHARYE ALEXANDER THE GREAT AL HA-NISIM ANTIOCHUS BOOK OF MACCABEES CANDLES DEDICATION DREIDEL GELT GREEK HANNAH HANUKKAH HANUKKIYAH HASMONEAN HOLIDAY HOLY TEMPLE JERUSALEM JUDAH THE MACCABEE KISLEV LATKES MACCABEE MATTHIAS MENORAH MIRACLE OIL PARTY POTATO PANCAKES SHAMMASH SUFGANIYOT SYRIANS BEECHEI AHOCDYN EHCHS TY FIAPCNL A MU E A E MY OKAAAOH DS R A K GO LKNMCHL GE R E T AS NAIR YSIUC RE D T A ER GEHT RE DNAXELA L IL AC LE A A A AK L P T EH AR ONEMYFIEN AI HT T HT EEL C I H AMEDDS C AR I KISL OR P TMI A IM EV ER ND Puzzle by Judy Silberg Loebl