[Jewbacca]

I did not post this in Jewish Caucus, as Chanukah is a miracle for the world to see, but I would ask the Christian Missionaries and Jews-are-stupid-because-they-are-democrats to start their own thread.

[nickcarraway]

As a Catholic, Chanukah should be special, because the scripture is in our Bible. (and Eastern Orthodox too).

[Lurking Libertarian]

Gifts were not traditionally part of the Hanuka celebration. The custom of giving gifts began in Europe and the U.S., and only to stop Jewish children from whining that their friends all got presents from Santa Claus.

[nandrew]

“Chanukah has always posed a particular challenge for Jewish parents because it arrives around the same time as a certain secular holiday that is surrounded by an inordinate amount of music, lights and action.”

Is the author referring to Christmas??????

[maryz]

It gave me kind of a start to see the reference to "baking" latkes -- had the food police taken over Chanukah too???

But later in the piece the references to the variety of deep-fried foods reassured me! ;-)

[maryz]

Where’s the singing? I mean, what’s Chanukah without “Mi Ymalel” at least? (That’s my favorite of the ones I know!)

[papabrody]

We only give Hanukkah gelt to children period. We also like to give as much tzedakah as possible during this time also. The present giving, imo, got out of hand living in the diaspora. Jewish parents were trying to compensate for the over-exposurer of their children watching other children receiving a multitude of Xmas presents. Gelt vs. A GINORMOUS WRAPPED MYSTERY PACKAGE. Don't blame them, but it was not part Hanukkah.

[bsaunders]

Chanukah is for lighting candles and reveling in G-d and the revitalizing of Judaism against Helenists, secularists and all other threats through the ages. Purim is for gifting. But what do I know.

[TexasRepublic]

“...when exactly did the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil turn into an excuse for conspicuous consumption?”

Probably not too long after Christmas became commercialized. And I’m sure that Jewish-owned department stores didn’t mind either holiday going commercial. :-)

Happy [fill-in-the-blank] Holidays everyone.