One For Each Night… A Letter to My Children On Celebrating Two Holidays.

Dear Kids,

Spinning a dreidel and lighting a menorah by a Christmas tree is not something you will see all of your friends doing. In fact, some of them may look at you kind of funny when you mention it and that’s okay. Perhaps some of your friends here where we live do not know much about Jewish people or the tradition of Hanukkah that we observe. Let them ask questions and I hope that we as parents provide you with the confidence you need to answer them.

This is special. You get to celebrate two holidays because your parents come from different faiths.

It is not always easy having an interfaith relationship. People tend to ask questions that are of no concern to them and they are also very quick to give their opinions on why it could not work. Thankfully, the majority that we  surround ourselves with celebrate our uniqueness. I hope that you are always with people who embrace who you are.

I grew up similar to the way we are raising both of you with regards to religion so I know that in time there will be many questions. You might have some concerns or raise some issues as you learn more about both Christianity and Judaism. Those days will come and together we will find the answers and information that you wish to know.

It is my hope that you will always have faith, kindness, and good values as you navigate your way through life and meet many people that are not all alike. Be accepting and I hope others do the same for you.

For now, your father will sing the prayers as he holds your hand when you light the candles on the menorah…one for each night.

We will make delicious challah bread and latkes.

The dreidels will spin and you will be excited at all of the chocolate gelt you will win.

8 nights and 8 presents for each of you.

As you lay in bed at night before going to sleep, I will read you books about the Maccabees and how they wanted to rededicate their temple but only had enough consecrated oil to burn a candle for one night. Miraculously it lasted 8 nights and that is why we celebrate Hanukkah.

Most importantly, we will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Hanukkah!

Love, Mommy