I even stopped by Border's Bookstore last week and read a children's book about Hanukkah - I figured that was about my level. The latkes definitely sound like the best part of Hanukkah - just like the cookies are one of the best parts of Christmas. The only problem is that the book didn't tell me what you serve with latkes. Steak? Chicken? Turkey? I assume pork tenderloin is a faux pas. And I guess a nice spiral cut honey ham is out of the question.
I have, however, figured out how to play dreidel, although my pronunciation of the Hebrew letters is probably all wrong.
The most surprising thing I've found about starting my new Hanukkah and Christmas tradition is how supportive my husband is being. He has been practicing spinning dreidels with my son and agrees that it is important to celebrate all parts of our heritage, not just the Christian part.
The most disappointing thing I've come across is the attitude among the few people I know here who are non-practicing Jews. It seems they think that being Jewish is not something you want to be proud of here in the mostly Christian South. My neighbor, who I convinced to buy a menorah this year also, seemed afraid to put a menorah in her window. "Aren't you worried about what the neighbors will think?" she asked me. I'm wondering if this is a common fear among Jews in the Bible Belt.
I'm determined to be proud of my Jewish heritage and my menorah will sit in the window next to my Christmas tree this year. For an interesting web site on Hanukkah - including how to light a menorah, children's Hanukkah games, song, greeting cards, and recipes for latkes - go to http://www.virtualjerusalem.com/city_ser...
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