Is Hanukah a big deal in Israel or is it mainly celebrated by Jews living in Western countries?

Question

See, I think it’s pretty obvious, and Jews themselves here have admitted it, that Hanukah was a minor Jewish holiday that was inflated by Jews living in Western countries so that their children didn’t feel left out at Christmas time. It gave their children a way of ‘Jewing’ their way out of Christmas (can I use that expression without being called an anti-Semite?). It gave them an opportunity to say things like, “Poor Christian kids only have two holidays; Christmas and Easter. But we Jews have rosh hashana, succot, simchat tora, hanuka, tu bishvat, purim, pessah (yom haatzmaut) and Shavuot.” Do you think this is how Jews living in Western countries have learned to Jew their way out of feeling left out of Christian festivities, with a coping mechanism?

Answer 1

Out here making things up again?



The entire story of Hanukkah took place in Israel, with Jews, so it seems to me that (and this may be too obvious for you to grasp) that Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews in Israel and Jews anywhere, period.



Giving gifts is not a requirement of Hanukkah.

Answer 2

Hanukkah tends not to be as big of a deal in Israel as it is in the States. There, it is just a festival, while here we made it into a holiday, due to influence of Christmas being at the same time. Still, Jews there celebrate Hanukkah, and more and more it is becoming like the American brand. And, btw, we don't ever say poor Christians, at least never in the context you are using it in. We aren't trying to one -up Christianity by having more holidays.



I should also mention that Christmas is Christianized from a pagan equivalent. And, it was only in the late 1800s when people even started thinking of presents for Christmas, so it isn't like Christmas was always the way it was.

Answer 3

Jews like to say that it's not very celebrated in Israel --- however, reality is "any excuse to take off or have fun." If you're doing business with someone in Israel during this week, be sure to call first. Sometimes they take it easy :).





Source:

First hand experience - oh no Channuakh's no big deal, oh we won't be open then. Hurumph (when you're trying to do a business deal).





You know the first time you used that term, eh whatever. By the 2nd time. Don't do that. It brings up rotten images of my father's family being murdered.



Your comment on "we have a lot of holidays" makes no sense ot the rest of your point. So if we have so many, why add Channukah but claim we have a lot? This just sounds like an excuse to put down disapora Jews. Why do that? Do you even know what it's like to live as a minority? Ops, just noticed who asked - actually a rather nice question for your usual style.

Answer 4

We don't 'jew' our 'way out' of anything.



Your wording is nasty, but then you know that already.



Read the answer I gave to someone asking if any Jews feel 'insulted' at Xmas. I clearly stated that I ENJOY the Christmas period because as I live in an ostensibly Christian country, it's a time for family and friends to get together - why on earth would we feel 'left out'???



I love watching my Christian friends preparing for Christmas!



I know it pains you, D, to accept anything NICE about Jews, but hey, I'm just offering the FACTS.

Answer 5

understand that historic historic previous can contest that the land as quickly as replaced into on top of issues via Jews previously being kicked out (via the ancestors of many Palestinians). So then you definately tread on the previous argument as to who's land replaced into it first. it incredibly is one you won't be able to win, in spite of which facet you're on. to boot, Jews lived peacefully with Palestinians in the process the previous few centuries in what's named Israel at present. There weren't many there, which i'm helpful had to do lots with the non violent coexistence. yet after many Jews confronted persecution and resentment in Europe interior the early 1900s, many Jewish leaders called for a return to the situation of foundation (Israel). in this time, they only only migrated. Palestinians extra and extra became attentive to the growing to be numbers and the classic hatred between the cultures flared up returned. Slowly one journey at a time, issues began to strengthen. it incredibly is whilst help replaced into sought from the U.ok. and different countries. i think of you may revisit historic previous and your information previously you're making the blatant accusation that Jews only attacked Palestinians. you may no longer be extra off base...

Answer 6

You are sounding awfully much the Anti-Semite. Those are our holidays/holy days. You want we should disown them ? Israel was the place these holidays took place. They are more widely celebrated there than in the Western world. Hanukkah is not a commercial holiday. There is only so much you can do to sell latkes and jelly-filled donuts

Answer 7

It's a MUCH bigger deal there, as are all Jewish holidays. From the day Sukkot is over, the bakeries are stocking up on donuts. The stores have full displays of candles, oils, and wicks. The entire country is in the spirit. And all those lit menorahs, many of them outside in display cases, are magnificent!



(Purim is even more fun!)

Answer 8

The letters on every countries (besides Israel) dreidel's read:



A Great Miracle Happened THERE.



Whereas in Israel it reads: A great miracle happened HERE.



It's a pretty small holiday anyway.

Answer 9

Israel isn't a Western country located not exactly in the "West"?



Also, Christians have a whole multitude of holidays. It was a way the church came up with to keep dudes with "knights" from fighting all the time in the dark ages. They made up saints' days like crazy, to break up the constant warfare. (you can only murder each other on days that aren't holy).

Answer 10

It is tradition everywhere. Knock, knock God is waiting for you to open up.

bless you.

Answer 11

lol



we have no need of christian festivities. never needed them. just like christians dont sacrifice sheep on the muslim id nor burn incense on chinese new year.

Answer 12

i think not dying by a suicide bomber is a bigger deal over there...