January 2008

What would happen if you were in the hospital during Hanukkah? What if you were the lone Jew in the middle of a Santa-fest full of Christmas toys, holiday decorations and tchotchkes? Would you consider sitting on Santa’s lap?

Two lone Jews in Washington, D.C., were recently faced with this conundrum. And how do I know this?

I’m one of those “elite” Jewish teens who was recently hospitalized and dealing with holiday hospitality. The real question is: Should the community at large be more sensitive to other cultures celebrating different winter holidays?

When I was hospitalized at Children’s National Medical Center for about three weeks, I was fortunate enough to meet Sam Bergman, a 14-year-old from Northern Virginia, who shared the distinct honor of being a fellow lone Jew. It was comforting for me and my mom to meet Sam and his family on the first night of Hanukkah in the medical care unit. We didn’t feel quite as isolated from our family and our holiday.

Sam’s mom believed that our meeting was beshert (meant to be). “We [Jews] must look out for one another,” she consoled us. And with that, Mrs. Bergman called all over the hospital to ensure that we could gain access to menorahs and possible trinkets. The hospital went through its Christmas stash and was so generous to both of us. In that sense, the hospital was great. However, if we didn’t have our parents advocating for us, our holiday observance would have gone unnoticed.

Sam explained: “I think the hospital should try to include all the holidays they can. Even if it’s just a small decoration so that people know they’re being recognized.” Now that’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!

Although, I have to admit, when you’re intensely sick and you’re at the nucleus of jolly holiday cheer, it really doesn’t matter what holiday is being celebrated. It’s a relief to be included in some joy! For that matter, sick or not, joy is joy. While I missed the wafting aroma of latkes in the air and celebrating Hanukkah with my family in our customary fashion, I experienced a guilt-free Christmas with sparkling trees, lights, Santas, holiday crafts and huge, glowing nylon/air-filled decorations.

Surprisingly, most of the hospital staff didn’t seem to have an understanding that Jews do not celebrate Christmas. After umpteen “Merry Christmas” wishes and responding with, “Thank you, but I’m Jewish,” I learned to just politely say, “Thank you.” Even after explaining that I celebrate Hanukkah, many just couldn’t shift gears.

Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to feel included in holiday merriment. But it was perplexing that in the heart of our nation’s capital, people could be so misguided and uninformed about Judaism. 

But then again, should I have benefited from all the perks of Christmas? Once more I ask you: Would you consider sitting on Santa’s lap and getting a ton of toys? Well, that’s what I did! Did I do the right thing, living it up goyim style? It’s up to you to decide.

In the words of my girl, comedian Sarah Silverman, “Give the Jew-girl toys!” And with that, I wish happy holiday greetings to those who celebrate Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Christmas and, most of all, Hanukkah!

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