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December 23, 2005
It's starting to feel a lot like Chrismikah!
On the Today show this morning, a rabbi and a priest chided interfaith couples for attempting to raise their kids with both religions. The rabbi pointed out that no religious institution ("certainly no Jewish temple") would accept a pupil who was simultaneously studying at another religion's children's school. The priest pointed out that the meaning of Christmas is to accept Christ as the Messiah and Lord. And, surprisingly, modern day Judaism does not believe that.
The interesting thing was that both religious leaders thought that by denying a primary religion to your children, you deny them an identity. To me, that's like saying the child of a white man and a Lebanese woman is neither white nor Lebanese. Identities are no longer black and white and many children grow up to question their religious beliefs, whether or not both parents share the belief. Further, it is possible to separate the ethnic identity of Judaism from the religion.
To me, it's interesting that I'm open to learning more about all religions, that I can understand the pull of paganism and Hinduism and Buddhism, but I still can't wrap my brain around a virgin birth and a trinity of holiness being equal to monotheism. I wish everyone health and happiness in the New Year and comfort and joy in their spiritual beliefs - I certainly don't have to agree with you to agree with your right to celebrate.
And on a lighter note, here's Hanukah 101 by Jonathan Safran Foer in the NYT.
Posted by cj at December 23, 2005 11:21 AM