“Orthodox Jews don’t observe non-Jewish holidays—not even non-chr*stian ones! ;-)”
That’s not true.
Thanksgiving, the Secular New Year, July 4 are generally “observed” by Orthodox in the USA.
Thanksgiving is a big deal for my in-laws and, while they have varied levels of observance, they generally in the Orthodox camp.
New Years is a drunk fest, just like with everyone else.
July 4 is a special day, too. Jewish people are just as American as everyone else here.
“Orthodox Jews don’t observe non-Jewish holidays—not even non-chr*stian ones! ;-)”
That’s not true.
Thanksgiving, the Secular New Year, July 4 are generally “observed” by Orthodox in the USA.
Thanksgiving is a big deal for my in-laws and, while they have varied levels of observance, they generally in the Orthodox camp.
I don't think the Cheredim observe it, and 'Agudat Yisra'el usually schedules their annual national meeting during Thanksgiving. However, Rabbi Mosheh Feinstein (zt"l) ruled that it was permitted for Jews to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day, provided they don't treat it as being on a par with Jewish holidays.
New Years is a drunk fest, just like with everyone else.
As I understand it, Jan. 1 is chuqqat hagoyim, though it's impossible to ignore completely the start of the rest of the world's calendar year.
July 4 is a special day, too. Jewish people are just as American as everyone else here.
All Americans observe 7/4, but it is a secular national holiday. Thanksgiving is probably less problematic than Xmas because its a national holiday on which to give thanks to G-d. But there is still somewhat problematic, as I understand it, since it is forbidden to create new religious holidays, commandments, or rituals (other than those instituted by the rabbis by their G-d-given authority).
I was speaking primarily of non-Jewish religious holidays like "ramadan" (also such chuqqot hagoyim as valentine's day and halloween).