A Mixed Blessing
INTERFAITH FAMILY CELEBRATES HANUKKAH, CHRISTMAS
Posted: December 24, 2011 at 5:21 a.m.
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam.” The Winchester family sings the familiar words as Marcy lights the first Hanukkah candle on Tuesday. She, her husband, Scott, and their two sons will gather each evening through the eight days of the holiday. They’ll light another candle and unwrap another gift each night.
A custom ornament of the Winchesters’ youngest son, Sam, adorns the family Christmas tree.
“At our house, it’s not a problem. My husband is super supportive and involved. ... I don’t feel the need for him to be a Jew or me to be a Christian. It just works.” MARCY WINCHESTER A member of a Jewish-Christian household
Sam, 12, and Andrew Winchester each open a gift Tuesday for the first night of Hanukkah in their Rogers home.
AT A GLANCE
HANUKKAH PRAYER
“Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu,
melekh ha’olam, asher kidishanu
b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu l’had’lik
neir shel Chanukah. Amein.”
“Blessed are you, Lord, our
God, sovereign of the universe,
who has sanctified us with
his commandments and
commanded us to light the lights
of Hanukkah. Amen.”
SOURCE: JUDAISM 101
”It’s a real reminder for those of the Jewish faith that we are a minority - a small minority. At the same time, it helps crystallize how important your own faith is. Even though you can’t get away from Christmas, can help you focus. What is your tradition, your culture, your ethnic upbringing?”
RABBI JACK ZANERHAFT Etz Chaim congregation leader on being Jewish at Christmas
The Winchesters pose for a picture illustrating both holidays celebrated in their home.
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Religion, Pages 9 on 12/24/2011
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