TribeC a, a full service catering compan y. "We're not promoting intermar- riage," he says. "We're just recognizing it and responding in a positive way." December Opportunity Harvey Cox, a Christian theologian married to a Jewish woman and agreeing to raise their son as a Jew, relates his experiences in Common Prayers: Faith, of the holiday, outlining activities and even giving favorite recipes, the author explores issues that can arise in an environment of diversity. Although his book addresses inter- faith family practices with comments from people going through this experi- ence, his own family's December dilem- ma has to do with celebrating a Jewish holiday when the dominant surround- ing celebrations involve Christmas. "At this time of year, I think it's impor- tant to show the difference between appreciating another person's holiday and appropriating that holiday" says Wolfson, vice president of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles and co-founder of Synagogue 2000, an institute for envi- sioning the synagogue into the future. "I love the spirit and music of Family and a Christian's Journey Through the Jewish Year (Houghton Mifflin Company; $24). Although he maintains his Christian practices, the author also takes a very active role in the Jewish ritu- als his wife and son celebrate. "I think using the term December dilemma is pitching interfaith issues in the wrong way" says Cox, a Harvard divinity professor. "I'd prefer thinking of a December opportunity Attitude counts, and this rime of year pro- vides a chance to know more about a spouse [raised in another religion]." Cox, who ultimately explains Judaism through chapters that define each holiday in order of its observance, says he worked his way into the topic because Hebrew scriptures are part of the Christian service. He also involves his three Christian children from his first marriage in the Jewish ceremonies, and they enjoy the events as family time. 'We have so much information on Jewish-Christian dialogue but not as much on mixed marriages as a new frontier," Cox says. "I hope that Jewish and Christian INEMBEETSIMI readers will see how understand- These new books are marketed to the ing the Jewish traditions has growing number of inter faith families, as amplified my marriage and my well as those who want to deepen their own understanding." understanding of various observances. In his book, Cox describes why his family has a Christmas tree. "Preparing children to live out their Christmas, but in our home, we've faith in a religiously multifaceted world always tried to make Chanukah an excit- is not just a task for mixed-marriage ing time. We decorate the house, fill our families," he says. "As the 21st century rooms with candles and dreidels and begins to unfold, all children should be have homemade foods of the season — prepared to live in a society where the all while instilling Jewish family values." different world religions are no longer Whether the dilemma is keeping across the ocean but across the street. Jewish observances in a predominantly "Learning to appreciate the foods Christian culture or in an interfaith and festivals of 'the others' not only home, Wolfson recommends planning inoculates children against bigotry, it begin months ahead. also helps them appreciate the distinc- "There's not one correct thing to do, tiveness of their own tradition." and solutions can change over time," says the author. "It's also important to recognize the emotional elements that Chanukah In July? are part of the process. - December traditions are what Ron "In a way, it would be much easier if Wolfson writes about in Hanukkah, Chanukah came in Jul ; but in a strange 2nd Edition: The Family Guide to twist of irony, the proximity of Chanukah Spiritual Celebration (Jewish Lights; to Christmas does force a fundamental 818.95). Besides explaining the history definition of who we are." super-bowl solution # 1: forg et the chicken wing s, call us instead. j ust one more concept in creative caterin g. eric samson &greg re srer 248.207.2050/ 2+8.590.5+55 www.TribeCaCatering.com PEA t EON'S S z4%t typh p A Birmingham Tradition For 25 Years Entertainment Friday & Saturday Alights 71vo Hours Free Parking In The Structure Directly Behind Peabody's 248.644.5222 34965 Woodward ♦ Just South Of Maple Reservations taken for 8 or more .e.;.7411141Terr o W or NE. YARD BAR - roe.. OUR GREAT SPECIALS! 1,40.11.1 Family Restaurant .11I PIACI c OPEN 7 DAYS —11 a.m. to 12 Mid. Ex