Insulting Invocation

[frazzled]

57. As a Jew (though a fairly lapsed one, in terms of formal involvement) ...

my own experience is that, yes, it grates a bit from time to time that everything is so Christian-oriented in this country ... but I (along with, I assume, many Muslims, Hindus, and others) recognize that we are a distinct minority, and we respect that the majority has the greatest cultural impact. Jews are less than 2% of the country and shrinking. We have never had a Christmas tree ever, we do not do anything for Christmas ... though we are generous in giving gifts and greetings to those around us who do celebrate the holiday. I will always be Jewish in my cultural and even spiritual identity. It is my "tribe" and my people.

As a child things were somewhat harder. I loved being in the Christmas program at school, loved seeing the trees and decorations. But I remember being very concerned when we had to sing a song that specifically referenced "Christ." I was afraid "my" God wouldn't like this. I was in the school chorus, and to allay my concerns, I used to mouth those words but not sing them. I thought if I didn't actually say the word it was okay, but I had to fit into my surroundings. Funny, what we do as children.