#chinesefoodonchristmas

[leezahbat]

This is a super unglamorous picture, but who cares. It’s Xmas, and we are taking it easy today, so @chessheromusic and I ordered some delicious Chinese, and now I am feeling pretty good about the day, lol. #chinesefood #delicious #chinesefoodonchristmas (at San Antonio, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmwvFlP_eM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[progressivejudaism]

hello i am thinking of converting to judaism but i really love christmas (not for religious reasons !! just the presents, mood, spending time with my family etc) would that be wrong? its just something that i grew up with n connect happy memories with but its never been about jesus or christianity for me

Hi there,

You are not alone.  This is often a stumbling block for many potential converts.  But the ultimate reality of Christmas is it is a celebration of the birth of Christ, a concept that is not compatible with Judaism. 

A reform rabbi or cantor would probably make a differentiation between celebrating Christmas *with* and *for* your Christian family.  Assuming you are interested in having a Jewish family, your typical reform clergyperson would help you understand the difference between bringing your family to a grandparent’s home to celebrate Christmas *with* and *for* their grandparents.  For example, there is nothing wrong with helping our loved ones celebrate such a momentous occasion in their lives.  Christmas is one of the most important days of the Christian calendar.  As Jews, I believe that we must show respect to our loved ones and be there for them in such a beautiful celebration.  But as Jews, that celebration (including a Tree, stockings, presents, etc) ends at our relatives home. 

But boy oh boy are Jewish holidays amazing!  From Purim and Passover to Sukkot and Hanukkah, we have enough fun, food, lights, decorations, alcohol (if you’re into that), food, music, stories, and did I mention food(?) for every occasion!    And yes, we even have our own traditions for Christmas ;) !

If for some reason you cannot imagine a life without celebrating Christmas - you either should reconsider conversion, have a discussion with a rabbi or cantor about this specific topic, or check out some resources that are available all around the Internet.   Like I said, this is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for gerim.  You are certainly not alone.  

I suggest searching the Internet for relevant articles on this subject.  Hopefully, they will inspire you!  And if not, my “door” is always open- feel free to shoot me a direct message, friend!

PJ

[thebearmaiden]

Happy Jewish Christmas, y’all.... #bearmaidenmeanderings #chinesefoodonchristmas (at Top 100 Chinese Restaurant)

[too-little-always-late]

The usual on Christmas Eve 🕎 happy everything! #latkesandlomein #chinesefoodonchristmas

[updtla]

Orange Chicken...we let Jesus pick what He wanted for His birthday, and THAT was the restaurant He chose to open. (I'm too full to write so I let @marcdyen write this. As far as orange chicken is concerned, it's pretty, pretty good.) クリスマスを祝わない人々の定番、チャイニーズディナー。ここのオレンジチキンはオススメ！#chinesefoodonchristmas #dtla (at Triple 8 China Bar & Grill)

[timewithyoo]

Thankful for #pekingduck and #Chinatown, where every restaurant was completely packed and buzzing. #merrychristmas #chinesefoodonchristmas #wearetheonlyasianshere @eugenechung81 #cityneversleeps (at Peking Duck House)

[alilfallofrain]

Traditional Jewish Christmas cuisine #chinesefoodonchristmas (at Joe's Noodle House)

[justinrayeni]

Nothing like #chinesefoodonchristmas

[coffeefrenchandhistory]

Another successful Christmas - with Chinese food. I love being Jewish.