End of Year Parties?

Question of the Week:

The company where I work is holding "Xmas drinks" for the staff next week. I was asked to arrange it. Should I demand they rename it "end of year drinks" so it is more multicultural and inclusive?

Answer:

While it is very considerate that many businesses give their parties religiously neutral names, I think it's a bit much to demand it. Jews are a welcomed minority in this country and we should respect the customs of the majority without expecting them to bend over backwards for us.

We are blessed to live in an open society that allows us to unashamedly celebrate our Jewishness. We contribute to this society not by asking others to tone down their celebrations, but rather by proudly celebrating our own.

So let me ask you, are you doing something special to celebrate Chanukah this year? It would be sad if you found yourself organizing an Xmas party for everyone else while missing out on celebrating your own festival.

Whether you come to shule tonight for the Chanukah Friday night service, go to one of the public Menorah lightings, or just get together with the family and light candles at home, make sure you connect to the Festival of Lights this year.

Good Shabbos and Happy Chanukah,
Rabbi Moss