Can I have some opinions on this please? Giving out Dreidel and Gelt to DDs classmates in C of E school

[PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog]

Would this offend/make you think we as the only Jewish parents in school had a 'problem' with Christmas? We really don't, we are more cultural than religious and DD is at a non religious school as we are concerned about security at Jewish Schools.

DD is in reception and has been coming home with Christmas cards and candy canes and things from her friends. We think this is lovely and not a problem at all! The others have been talking about Santa and Christmas too, DD just says, 'We don't have Christmas.' We have told her never to say we don't believe in Santa, as other children would be very upset to hear this. Friends have been asking her what she does in the holidays.

DH and I were thinking of buying some wooden dreidels from Amazon, giving out some parev (dairy free, due to allergies) gelt and a little card with the rules of the game and a few lines about Channuka and a message: 'Thank you for being my friend and have a love time in the holidays! from DD and Family'

Would you be OK with this, or would it be too much? I have autism, so don't want to do anything 'wrong' or make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Thanks,

Pip x

That's a really lovely idea, OP. I didn't know much about Hanukkah before, but I searched and found out much more after reading your post.

The OP's DD wants to celebrate Hanukkah around the time of Hanukkah with her friends and classmates, hence her wanting to do this in December. She can hardly celebrate Hanukkah with them months after the holiday.

I honestly think it’s lovely

Dh is Jewish, I’m not.

when our youngest was in reception we sent in hammentaschen for Purim, the kids had a great time dressing up

another year they celebrated sukkot at school and had their school dinner in the shelters they had made

If my children were at a Jewish school and the only Christian… then when Christianity was being studied, I would probably buy 30 little Christmasay themed items to bring to class that day (I mean it could be Christmas cards but again… 4 year olds? Actually even adults… that would be binned in nanoseconds! 😂)

@Rebecca34 Thanks for pointing that out, I just assumed non Milky is the same as non dairy, as I have never had to deal with dairy allergies, maybe I should get Dairy free from the free from section in the supermarket to be safe? Non Jewish children would not need it to be Kosher anyway.

And they could indeed be studying it in the height of summer!!

She might wait forever for it to be studied.

It's not about 'teaching' though it's about DD joining in, giving a gift based on what she does at this time of year, just as her friends have done for her.

And it isn't just about teaching it to the children, the OP's DD wants to share her Hanukkah traditions with them just as the children are sharing their Christmas traditions with OP's DD by giving her Christmas cards.

enjoy, will be fun for them

i will bow out! 😂

My kids would seize on the chance to celebrate something new. More joy and celebration is a good thing.

Absolutely

ib our house we celebrate major Jewish and Christian frstivals

our neighbours are Muslim so we have been for iftar and Eid parties.

life is short, enjoy it, share the love

I think it's a lovely idea. Obviously she needs to torment them with the dreidel song.

Studying something is theory and not the same at all as experiencing it. The best time to engage with tradition is when it’s actually relevant, not just as a school project, so that it’s more natural and organic. The children will be happy (no one minds getting extra presents and treats!) and the DD will be happy too.

Happy Hanukkah, @PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog! I watch a couple of YouTube channels of Jewish households. I always come away feeling peaceful and grounded.

(I know it’s a little early)

Lovely idea. Probably worth giving the teacher a quick heads up on your intentions in advance so they can answer any questions they get from children or parents (using Google if necessary): the explanations that a four year old gives to another four year old and that the second four year old passes on to
their parents can be completely baffling.

DD used to go round to Jewish classmate's house to light candles and little friend would come round to ours to help decorate the tree.

@EvilRingahBitch DD loves the school tree! We have bought blue and silver tinsel for her to put on DH's hideous yucca from his student days!

It sounds lovely. My DCs primary school actively encouraged families from all faiths and cultures to share with the class if they wanted to.

Good wishes to you too @TangledWebofMincemeatDeception ! x

possibly it is, just check the label!

On the back of this thread I've been inspired to make a Hanukkah present for my Jewish colleague. He's an observant Jew so I've ordered some kosher, sealed chocolate coins and will print off and laminate the Hanukkah blessings to all go in a kilner jar with a driedel I've also ordered. Totally nicked off the internet but I'm a bit nervous that I'll get it wrong in some way - any pointers OP?

I also had no idea what a driedel was until this thread. I only vaguely remember studying anything about Judaism in year 7.

Lovely way for all children to learn about each others cultures.

I think that sounds lovely 🥰

Lovely idea. My two would have been delighted and so would we. Go for it.