Discussion:
Jews Receiving Non-Religious "Seasonal" Party Favors
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Irene Bleiweiss
2005-10-20 02:28:59 UTC
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I consider myself observant. I would not find this hostess' shower
favor offensive, but neither would I consider it especially thoughtful
of her Jewish guests. The purpose of a Christmas tree decoration is . .
. to hang it on a Christmas tree! So the hostess is being presumptive
in assuming that her Jewish guests will have any use for the gift. The
hostess also may not be aware of potential problems for Jewish parents.
For example, the parent may have explained to her children that they do
not have a Christmas tree because Christmas is not a Jewish holiday.
How will her kids react when she brings home a glass ball ornament?
This strikes me as a hostess who wants to find something plentiful,
inexpensive, but nice enough to use once a year. There are lots of
other gifts that fit those requirements and that can be used by all.

Avi wrote:
Specifically, a poster (presumably Christian) will be holding a baby
shower around Christmas time, and was considering giving away "Seasonal"
(but non-religious) party favors such as tree decoration balls. She
wondered whether Jewish guests at her party would be offended by this.





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kgold
2005-10-20 15:18:00 UTC
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Post by Irene Bleiweiss
Specifically, a poster (presumably Christian) will be holding a baby
shower around Christmas time, and was considering giving away "Seasonal"
(but non-religious) party favors such as tree decoration balls. She
wondered whether Jewish guests at her party would be offended by this.
I wouldn't be horribly offended.

However, assuming the poster knew in advance that I was Jewish, I
think it reflects negatively on the giver. Either

- the poster didn't understand that Jews don't celebrate Christmas, or
- the post knew that the tree decoration was inappropriate and didn't care.

But a baby shower is not the time to make a scene. Take the gift,
bring it to the thrift shop, and move on.

-- Ken Goldman ***@watson.ibm.com 914-784-7646
=============================================================================
This post reflects the author's opinion; the moderators' opinions may differ.
Posters seeking medical or halachic information should consult competent
authorities in those fields.

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This forum discusses issues specific to childrearing in a Jewish context.
Submissions: scjp-***@scjp.jewish-usenet.org ** NEW ADDRESS **
Pre-Review: scjp-***@shamash.org
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