Chanukah, Materialism and Santa's Birthday

by Jordan Yerman | December 21, 2008 at 07:08 am

642 views | 37 Recommendations | 11 comments

The article below uses Judaism and Chanukah (Hannukah, Hanukkah, Hanukah, or, for purists, חנוכה‎) to discuss how materialism is used to sell religion: a minor Jewish holiday to the rest of the world becomes, in North America, all about those big presents.

Christmas rules the holiday calendar, and, due to its media dominance, effectively asserts Christianity as the "normal" religion, relegating others to the sidelines. Though, on closer inspection, Christians themselves have nothing to do with this: ironically, the Christmas we see around us doesn't have much to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. I think there was a Simpsons episode where Bart though that Xmas celebrated Santa's birthday.

As a religious matter, it's a minor holiday, barely observed by Jews in most of the world. Yet in North America it has come to be known as the "Jewish Christmas" and is celebrated with extravagance—in particular, extravagant consumerism. In a recent study, Stanford economists Ran Abramitzky, Liran Einav, and Oren Rigbi argue that this is a natural response by Jews living in America's fiercely competitive religious marketplace. Using survey data on religious observance, the Israeli-American researchers find that it is Jews who are most concerned with assimilation who are most likely to go all out for Hanukkah, as a means of enticing their kids to keep the faith.

The article goes on to discuss the marketing of religion: nations with multiple active religions see more extravagant houses of worship and even amenities.

"We're not sponsored by any corporate identity or charity and we won't ever be," Roh says. "We aren't protesting the consumerism of Christmas — we're celebrating Santa's birthday!

I like those guys' style. It's a reasonable reaction to a time of year when stores actually tell you how to feel. Whatever you celebrate this season, celebrate it (or don't) because you want to, not because you think you have to. Any odd or unique things you do to commemorate this time of year?

Personally, I'm not a big synagogue person, but I try to watch 8 Crazy Nights.

Chanukah starts this evening- enjoy the Festival of Lights.

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Uwe Paschen

at 03:10 on December 22nd, 2008

Is it the marketing or the Power?

Two different aspects of the same issue. In the case of Xmas here in Japan it is about Marketing and sales, however when it comes to religious buildings it is about power. In the Middle ages the largest most extravagant building was the Musk, the Synagogue or the Church, where as in the 1970 it was the BANKS and of course wall street until today, maybe we are going back to fundamental Religious believes and give more power to the Religions as well this reflected through architecture and the might of the buildings.

A. Tran

at 11:40 on December 21st, 2008

Good point. My comment is strictly regional, and in my city where most people wish everyone the neutral Happy Holidays to cover each individual's inclination: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year.

158

at 11:11 on December 21st, 2008

I think this is just an attempt to blend the two holidays. I don't like that idea. Christmas is already a blending of religious-the birth of Jesus- and a totally non religious celebration of giving and partying and Santa. Kwanzaa has been added in some places. Some even celebrate Saturnalia.

I think each should be observed separatelu, one or all, but not blended.

SOLARLIFE

at 11:26 on December 21st, 2008

To get Christmas history right. The Christmas tree is a german invention, as far as I know 19th century. The family comes together 4 weeks before DEC-24th to get a inside view of the coming christ. Today much present buying. I think it is as simple as this You can't just leave your children without Chrismas tree, they would feel bad. In France we are not so complicated, the Arab families buy Christmas trees for their children too. The jewish community is singing during public christmas events. Just let some peace come in the people and remember the good spirit to come, some still waiting others not, not so important. In any case the old joke is true Jesus was a Jew, happy hannukah and christmas and whatsoever holidays.

Uwe Paschen

at 03:13 on December 22nd, 2008

The Christmas Tree or Solstice Tree is over 3000 Years old and so it the Adventkrantz.

http://my.nowpublic.com/environment/christmas-tree-or-solstice-tree-and-environment

SOLARLIFE

at 16:45 on December 22nd, 2008

3000 years ago most of us have been in the woods, the christmas tree related to Christian christmas Dec 24 celebration as we have today, is very young 19th century germany. Before was no such habit Dec 24 with a candle light christmas tree.

Pat Garcia

at 11:40 on December 21st, 2008

Jordan

Good post. Beautiful picture! Enjoy Chanukah! Best wishes.

panzerlawyer

at 12:15 on December 21st, 2008

Not even a high holy day. Get over it.

Thetannykid (not verified)

at 04:54 on December 22nd, 2008

Well, as far as I'm concerned, Christmas is mainly for families and friends. I don't care what religion a person professes. If a little good can be spread in this world of ours due to Christmas, Chanukah or whatever - Se it. What I object to is the commercialism and greed of the event. Yes, the occasion creates temporary employment for thouands (or millions) of people all over the world but it also creates massive debt for the unwary and those who cannot budget. So, what is the answer? All I can say is - Peace be to everyone.

Thetannykid (not verified)

at 04:56 on December 22nd, 2008

In my previous message, "So be it" came out at "Se it" . Must be the Christmas Gremlins playing up. Lol

Philip Reilly

at 02:11 on December 24th, 2008

Hi all, this picture was taken Christmas 2007 in St. Anns Church in Dublin, Ireland. The Dublin Gay and Lesbian choir were performing Christmas carols. As an atheist I am not too concerned about the religious aspect of all this. In Ireland during pagan times there was rituals around the Solstice, the change from dark to light and so on. Personally I think anything that brightens up trhe darkest time of year is welcome and I will hang Xmas lights on my house with the best of them. -Philip Reilly, Dublin

Philip Reilly has contributed a photo to this story.