I'm a Jew Who Loves Christmas Songs

I didn't grow up in a religious home; I knew I was Jewish and knew it was important that I know that. Together with my parents, I came to America as a refugee from the former Soviet Union in 1979. The anti-Semitism drove my parents out; they wanted to live in a country where their religion didn't prevent them from going to college or getting a job or procuring an apartment.

In New York City, home to over one million Jews, my parents felt free to wear Star of David and Chai necklaces but never stepped foot inside a synagogue unless it was mandated for a Bar Mitzvah or wedding. When it came time for the December holidays at school and kids did the "Are you Christmas or Chanukah" survey, I was proudly "Team Chanukah."

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