[rmlew]

Hannukah is a very political holiday in the US.

Traditionalists downplay it. They note that it wasn't important in the "old Country" (or that of thier Grandparents) and has been corrupted to become a counterpart to Christmas.

Religious Nationalists (and paleo-cons) love it. It is overtly natioanlistic and anti-PC. Here we had teh Israelites expell the Hellenized Syrians with their enforced inclusive polytheism and killed a lot of Hellenizers/collaborators.

Liberals and Neo-cons seem to view this as a holiday commemorating religious liberty. Certainly the Jews as a group could pray as they liked. However, there was no such freedom for dissenting religions after the Hasmoneans took over.

Radicals also see the holiday as one of religious liberty and use it as an excuse to de-Judaise Israel and De-Christianize America.

Of course, most kids are non-political and look forward to presents, Latkes (potato pankakes), and chocolate coins.

Happy Hanukah to my fellow Jewish Freepers adn Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Ron
(Do Latkes applesauce and sour cream work with Turkey? I see a stomach ache in my future.)

[SAMS]

As a military wife stationed in Germany, I visit many antique stores over here, and I never fail to see a few menorahs for sale in the stores and at various flea markets. I am always tempted to buy one and display in my home. I am not Jewish, but I feel I could light it at this time of year as a memorial to those who may have been denied the chance. Any thoughts, comments?