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Multicultural families

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Original poster

Not in the nativity play

226 replies

PrettyHannukahndles · 15/12/2004 16:58

As ds is being brought up Jewish, I chose not to have him perform in his nursery's nativity play next week, but to let him perform in the rest of the nursery's concert. I've learned today that he is now the only child who will not be in the nativity, as all the other non-performing children will not be at nursery that day.

Suddenly he feels left out. I had a talk with the nursery staff, who told me that he needn't come in uniform that day, as all the others would be wearing their costumes. I suggested that he might like to wear a costume as well, so that he will feel more involved. But what sort of costume could he wear? He wants to wear a red-and-white Santa hat with flashing stars (at least, that's what I think he meant by his rather garbled and excited description ). I'm not sure whether that's appropriate - could anyone suggest something?

OP posts:
AMerryScot · 15/12/2004 17:21

A flashing Santa hat seems very disrespectful, and attention-seeking, to me...

Original poster
PrettyHannukahndles · 15/12/2004 17:23

Yes, AMerryScot, that's what I thought.

OP posts:
AMerryScot · 15/12/2004 17:31

OT

There is a good (non-biblical) Christmas story about "The Late Wise Man". In this story, he - Artaban - is No. 4 after Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. His gifts are a pearl, emerald and ruby which he gives up to the poor and needy on the way to Bethlehem.

pinkmagic1 · 15/12/2004 17:36

I do'nt want to offend anybody but I ca'nt see anything wrong with him being in the nativity play.
I am Christian but my husband is Muslim as is my son. we were asked at nursery if we minded him taking part in the Christmas celebrations. My husband just laughed at the idea that he should'nt be allowed. I think it helps people understand one another better if we are aware of one anothers religions.

cranberryjampot · 15/12/2004 17:38

Im afraid I cant see what the problem would be either. Children and I are RC but I wouldnt prevent either of my kids from taking part in another religion's festivities especially within school.

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 17:39

Seems to me the common factor shared by Christmas, Chanukah and Diwali is light, therefore having flashing lights or a candle hat or something like that would be perfect

AMerryScot · 15/12/2004 17:42

But the Nativity is the story of Christ's birth - it's not meant to be some PC all-inclusive thing.

Original poster
PrettyHannukahndles · 15/12/2004 17:43

Muslims accept Jesus as a prophet. To Jews he is a heretic - sorry if being blunt offends. Participating in a festivity is one thing (hence ds is singing in the concert) but performing in a play that is effectively an act of worship is another thing entirely.

I know, nursery children don't understand 'worship', but that's what it is deep down.

OP posts:
spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 17:44

no-one is suggesting it is amerryscot, but in this situation PC's little boy wants to be there and he wants to dress up!

bundleofyulelogs · 15/12/2004 17:46

but prettyhanukahndles, I'd be happy for dd1 to go to mosque with her best friend, and i'm sure her parents would be happy for their dd to come to mass with us, to share an experience which would be - strictly speaking - an act of worship, because you'd respect all the customs etc.

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 17:47

Frankly, if I objected to my child taking part in another religion's act of worship, I'd simply keep him off school that day and take him to the cinema or something instead!

juniperdropofbrandy · 15/12/2004 17:48

DS2s muslim friends were in his nativity too.

Is your son going to the Christmas party or don't they have one?

juniperdropofbrandy · 15/12/2004 17:50

you should have been at our CofE nativity on sunday. The teenagers did a play with a camp fairy in it

Blu · 15/12/2004 17:50

Ummm, all the characters in a nativity play are Jewish, aren't they? (except Herod and Caesar Augustus).
Your call, obviously, PrettyHC, but since the nativity play focusses pretty much on events which are as factually historical as can be managed for the times, and (very sorry if I'm wrong here) that Christ is accepted as a prophet within Judaism, it seems more appropriate for your DS to contribute to the story in the stable, rather than to any aspect of actually celebrating it, like Santa, iyswim.

Do the nursery do a wider range of cultural/religious celebrations?

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 17:52

Blu, PC pointed out that jesus is regarded as a heretic in judaism below i think ...

Blu · 15/12/2004 17:53

Sorry, have just seen your 'heretic' post! . Orthodox Jewish friends of mine always used to explain to me that Christ was a (mere ) prophet - but NOT the Messiah. Have I got it all garbled?

TinselTamum · 15/12/2004 17:54

Good point Blu. I have to say, if you feel that strongly about it I am surprised you're letting him go at all. I can't quite see why you make a distinction between participating in an act of worship and watching it? I don't mean to be nasty, it just doesn't make sense to me.

Blu · 15/12/2004 17:56

I must say I have never thought of a nativity play as an act of worship.

TheHollyAndTheTwiglett · 15/12/2004 17:56

Agree with Blu .. always thought Jesus was accepted as a prophet but NOT the son of God

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 17:58

"Judaism has deemed Jesus a false messiah, and religious Jews are still awaiting the arrival of the Messiah; many Jews minimize Jesus' role as miracle worker, but a small number consider him a great teacher."

AMerryScot · 15/12/2004 17:58

In a church service, the Nativity play can be a substitute for the Gospel reading. To make it an act of worship, there would need to be singing, prayers and a sermon too.

pinkmagic1 · 15/12/2004 17:59

Thats what I thought. As with Muslims Jews accept Jesus as a Prophet but not the son of God. Please let me know if I am wrong.

Blu · 15/12/2004 18:01

Since sheep were merely innocent bystanders, AND Kosher, why not let him be a sheep, and he can go Baaaaa (Humbug).
Sorry, PrettyHC, I don't mean to be detrimentally flippant, I know this is all part of waht parents have to go through to achieve a good balance of harmonious relationships / strong identity. My DS is of Methodist/Hindu/Muslim background and has witnessed/participated in quite a lot of it - but it's easier for me as my own beliefs are secular and athiest, so I feel none of the reposnsibility that you do.

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 18:02

"Judaism teaches that it is heretical for any man to claim to be a part of God (or even to be God Himself); Jews view Jesus as just one in a long list of Jewish claimants to be the messiah."

spacedonkey · 15/12/2004 18:02

(I'm getting this from wikipedia btw)