3 minute read
Navigating Jewish Identity in the Carolinas During the Winter Holidays
February 2024
By Laurabree Monday
“What do you want for Christmas?”
“What are you asking Santa for this year?”
“Are you ready for Christmas?”
These questions may seem innocent enough, but for children in the Carolinas, where being Jewish is a minority experience, these questions can be loaded and challenging.
My son, approaching his bar mitzvah, has always been quick to share his Jewish identity. Last year in 6th grade, he created a PowerPoint presentation titled, “Things You Should Know if a Kid in Your Class is Jewish?” It spanned over five slides, covering basic Chanukah questions and some age-appropriate jokes. At its core, it was a proud expression of his heritage, well-received by classmates and teachers. He’s the first to pull out his “Happy Llamakkah” sweater for Wear a Tacky Sweater Day (he’s worn it so much this past season that it will be making a trip to the dry cleaners)!
Similarly, my brother has always worn his Star of David necklace, a constant even during his college swim meets in Wisconsin. Growing up in the Northeast, we were less conscious of being a minority. However, a visit to a small town in Indiana during college, where I was advised to hide my Star of David necklace due to a nearby Ku Klux Klan rally, was a stark reminder of the challenges of openly displaying Jewish symbols. I never saw any signs of the rally, but the memory of that conversation has stayed with me. It was honestly the first time that it had ever come up in a setting that left me nervous about being Jewish.
My 10-year-old daughter, while proud of her Judaism, is more cautious. When asked about Christmas wishes, I see the hesitation in her eyes as she decides how to respond. Both of my children agree that the answer often depends on the asker. We’ve always told them that whatever response they’re comfortable with is the right one. Even as an adult, I find myself weighing my answers. A Jewish counselor and mom friend of mine suggests responding based on comfort and safety, emphasizing that there is no wrong way to respond.
Interestingly, responding to “Merry Christmas” wishes is simpler. We either say it back or offer a “Happy Holidays.” It’s the direct questions about Christmas preparations that give pause. We enjoy the Christmas season, even volunteering to ring the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell, with my son playing Christmas carols on his clarinet. So, are we ready for Christmas? In a perfect world, everyone could answer this honestly, but it’s also okay to have reservations.
If our approach resonates with you, consider visiting Temple Solel. We welcome members and guests with open arms, valuing presence, enthusiasm, talents, and involvement over annual dues. We meet at 7 p.m.
on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2955 W. Highway 160 in Fort Mill. For more about our services and events, visit templesolelsc.org or call (803) 6101707. We’d love to meet you.
