Salutations: Seven New Orleans Images

Karen Dalton-Beninato, 12.25.2009

karendaltonbeninato.com

Happy Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Festivus and all the rest of it. Here in New Orleans the balconies are glowing and the holidays are n...

Festivals of Light in the Dark

Donna Henes, 12.23.2009

Urban shaman, eco-ceremonialist and ritual expert

Since the earliest of human times, folks have joined together in the warmth and glow of community in order to welcome the return of light to a world that is surrounded by dark.

"Don't Let the Light Go Out" - From Bergen-Belsen to the White House

Menachem Rosensaft, 12.23.2009

Founding Chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors

In the White House this week, Jewish leaders of all stripes and denominations seemed to let go of their differences, if only for a few hours, and revel in the freedom and dignity of America.

Under Stimulated: Building Trains and Other Stuff We Need Rather Than What Wall Street Dictates

Joel Epstein, 12.25.2009

Corporate and philanthropic giving and strategic communications professional

I'm making real investment in fast trains that run where people live and want to go my wish for the New Year.

The Right's Bogus War on Christmas

Irene Monroe, 12.22.2009

Native of Brooklyn, graduate of Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia

What's in a greeting? With Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and Christmas all going on this time of year, one would think that an all-inclusive se...

How to Properly Spread Holiday Cheer

Brandon Mendelson, 12.24.2009

Co-Author, Dracula And Kittens

I'm a big fan of the Christmas season. Hanukkah isn't really a huge deal, despite what my non-Jewish friends might tell you. And I'm also convinced Kw...

Christmas v. Hannukah: Cindy and Sandy

Andrea Buchanan, 12.19.2009

I was outside the other day when my twin, eleven year old neighbors, Cindy and Sandy came walking home from school. They are getting so tall, If I squ...

How To Avoid Binge Eating During The Holidays

Geneen Roth, 12.20.2009

Geneen believes that we eat the way we live, and that our relationship to food, money, love is an ex ...

The most painful thing about using food to comfort ourselves during the holidays (or any other time) is that it is only a temporary solution. After the food is gone, whatever you ate about is still there.

A New Tale for Hanukkah: The Legend Continues

Robert J. Elisberg, 12.17.2009

Columnist and screenwriter

Several years back, a mixed group of writer friends was discussing religion, when someone whimsically bemoaned that Christmas got all the good colors, while Hanukkah was pretty much stuck with blue and white.

A Truly Bipartisan White House Hanukkah Party

Marc R. Stanley, 12.16.2009

Chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Obama ought to be applauded, not attacked, as he and his administration continue efforts to govern in a bipartisan and inclusive manner; his Hanukkah party is just one positive reflection of this encouraging trend.

Responding to Hitchens on Chanukah

Rabbi Michael Lerner, 12.15.2009

Editor of Tikkun and National Chair of the Network of Spiritual Progressives

The story of Chanukah is a story of resilience and courage. Unfortunately for some, it is also a story of rejecting Western values. This is why that belief is not correct.

Mixing Religions during the Holiday Season: A Tale Of Guilt and Gelt

Delia Lloyd, 12.15.2009

Delia Lloyd is an American writer based in London. Her work has appeared in The International Herald ...

According to a new poll, Americans are mixing faiths more than ever before. Many attend worship services of more than one denomination, and many also blend Christianity with Eastern or New Age beliefs.

How to make Mondays a pleasure

Ben Mangan, 12.14.2009

I don't know about you, but the term The Holidays has become a two-word proxy for a long list of things that seem less meaningful every year. Yes - I ...

"The Shopping Maccabees: A Chanukah Miracle"

Devra Maza, 12.15.2009

Screenwriter, Journalist and Actor

Chanukah had started, the menorah was lit The family had sung, now they'd give gifts and sit

Please Don't Wish Me a Merry Christmas!

Abby L. Ferber, 12.12.2009

Scholar and Author

While it may not seem like a big deal that someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas," for non-Christians like myself, this time of year can be anything but merry.

Obama Gives Hanukkah Wishes in Hebrew; Birthers Now Claim He Was Born in Israel

Andy Borowitz, 12.11.2009

BorowitzReport.com

Orly Taitz, a leading Birther spokesperson, said today that she had in her possession a birth certificate for Mr. Obama that was issued in Tel Aviv.

"Hanukkah Rocks": My Only Slightly Guilty Playlist for This Year's Festival of Lights

David Wild, 12.11.2009

TV Writer, Rolling Stone Contributing Editor and author of "He Is . . . I Say"

Here are some songs that will go down easy for just about anybody along with a few latkes and an extra serving of holiday spirit.

Be The Light This Chanukah!

Jason Mannino, 12.12.2009

Career Coach, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Founder: The People Agenda

Choosing to dwell on adversity is a choice. Pervasive throughout this darkness are bright lights that shine inwardly and outwardly. The holidays are celebrations of light and joy over triumph and adversity.

Judah the Maccabee's Five Lessons for Barack Obama

Aaron Zelinsky, 12.11.2009

Articles Editor, Yale Law Journal

From the story of Chanukah, we see how not to fight a guerrilla insurgency. From the Maccabees, we learn how to rally a people and a nation. Here are Chanukah's five geopolitical lessons.

Least-Known Jewish Miracles

Mark C. Miller, 12.10.2009

Humorist

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of the miracle of Chanukah. So much emphasis is given to the miracle of Chanukah, however, that we understandably lose sight of the multitude of other miracles.

Sell Off The Yarmulkes, Here Comes Chanukah!

Lita Smith-Mines, 12.10.2009

Attorney and Editor in Chief, Boating Times Long Island

Anyone who doubts in the unraveling of the middle class is welcome to join my Chanukah celebration this year. Just please bring the latkes, no-drip candles, and some presents for the kids.