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...

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...

Dara Horn Comes to Scarsdale

Joanne Wallenstein, 12.17.2009

Scarsdale10583.com

Calling Dara Horn an author is a misnomer. From the rabbi's introduction and her opening remarks it was clear that Horn could be called a theologian, a scholar, a professor and a mom.

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.

The Greenest Top Ten Holiday Gift List of Them All

Waylon Lewis, 12.10.2009

Founder of elephantjournal.com and the Walk the Talk Show

What to get for that-special-someone who has everything? Nothing.

Jewish Voices of Color Must be Heard

David A. Love, 12.09.2009

Writer and human rights advocate based in Philadelphia

As we enter this holiday season, Jews around the world will celebrate Hanukah. The Jewish community is a diverse one, a multicultural and multiracial assemblage, by no means monolithic, representing millions of people throughout the world.

Happy Macysmas!

Meredith Lopez, 12.09.2009

Mothering For Your Amusement and Entertainment

The Princeling was two months old when first we took him to see Santa, and the photo we got was a hysterical baby in red and white pajamas being held at arm's length by a terrified Santa.

Green Gifts That Keep Giving

Avital Binshtock, 12.09.2009

SIERRA magazine's lifestyle editor and editor of the Sierra Club's Green Life blog.

Shopping for picky loved ones is difficult enough. Factor in your commitment to eco-sensitive products, and a holiday shopping mission can become as daunting as an unaided ascent up El Cap.

How to Make a Hannukah Wreath

Danielle Crittenden, 12.09.2009

Author, "What Our Mothers Didn't Tell Us" and "Amanda.Bright@Home"

For Jewish readers who would like to celebrate the start of the festival this Friday with something more than latkes, I offer you this step-by-step "how-to" guide to making a wreath.