Christmas Gift, Appropriate for a Jewish Instructor????

Hi ES!

I'm a Jewish teacher (jr. high and high school) and I spent 9 years teaching in Catholic schools and I'm in my 7th year in public schools. I have never been insulted by receiving a Christmas gift from a student. EVER! If a student and his/her family are compelled to go out of their way to make/give me something special, then I'm going to accept it in the same spirit. I had a few students who brought me Hannukah cards or gifts wrapped in Hannukah wrap and that was equally special. Any gift, any time, presented in any fashion is treasured, not because of the holiday, but because someone thought you were worth the time and effort.

'Nuff said. It's just my opinion and I don't know if other's share it. Hope it helps!

Regards,
S. F.

3 moms found this helpful

ES,

I am a Jewish mother...but am divorced from a Catholic and now married to a Buddhist...I grew up celebrating all of the beautiful Jewish holidays, but also Easter and Christmas. Go figure! So, basically...it just depends on "how Jewish" in regards to holidays she really is. I personally would not be taken-aback by a gift wrapped in Christmas paper, but probably would be by a baby Jesus card, you know? I vote, as a Jewish mother, and for you not really knowing her practices, for a gift wrapped in Hanukkah paper. You know she is Jewish, so this is your best route.
All the best, and "Happy Holidays"
S.

1 mom found this helpful

Not at all, coming from a 47 year old Jewish mom. To be politically correct, call it a holiday gift of appreciation. We all like to be shown we're appreciated! People are people and it's the holidays, a great time to give gifts and show your gratitude!

Happy Holidays!

Both holidays are AROUND the same time. Give her a gift that is neutral and not Christmas related.

End of semester thank you is what I would call it. :-)

yah, I would just wrap it in white and blue paper and make sure the card doesnt say Chritmas.

ES, I am not Jewish, however, I give gifts to Jewish friends and they give gifs to me during this time of year. We do however call them "holiday" gifts.

L.

If the gift itself is christian or christmas related, that could be considered offensive. But if the gift has no religious significance and is just given from the heart, then use some neutral wrapping paper and you should be fine. I am sure the instructor would like being appreciated in any way you would express it.
By the way, this year Chanukkah coincides with Christmas, so the timing would not be an issue either.

Hanukkah begins the Monday before Christmas this year, Dec. 22, so I suggest giving her a gift that day or anytime during the following 7 days. I always wrap Hanukkah gifts in blue & silver paper. Have a blessed holiday season!

I would go ahead and give the instructor the gift. I just wouldn't wrap in Christmas wrapping.

The point of Christmas is the giving, but giving should be done all year long anyways. So I would think that the instructor would appreciate being thought of and be grateful for any gift that your daughter gives her.

Personally, I respect that we are all from different walks of life and religious belief, however I don't like anyone to push their religion on my by any means.

I think a holiday gift without any religious persuasion is perfect.

Giving a gift would be great. It should not have a Christian religious or Christmas theme--that is not considerate or respectful. One of my friends received a music box one year that played a Christian Hymn. She was pretty bummed. I always appreciate it even more when a gift is given to me as a Hanukkah gift, because that makes me feel like they respect my tradition and are honoring my customs. I saw Hanukkah gift bags at Albertson's and Target, so spending a few moments extra would not be too burdensome. Any non-religious thing you would ordinarily buy for a holiday or birthday gift would be just great. Your instructor is lucky that you are so considerate!

I would call it a holiday gift and give it now.

Some members of our family are jewish. I make it a point to specifically send Hannukah cards. It starts Dec. 21 this year.

You can not go wrong with a holiday gift, but since you asked, I have many very close Jewish friends and they are not insulted or offended at all if given a Christmas gift, or sent a Christmas card, as long at the gift is not overtly religious. Would you be offended if given a Hannukah gift? No, because it is the spirit of the gift that counts, not it's label. This is the holiday season, so a holiday gift is always appropriate.

I am christian married to a jewish man. Hanukkah is a very special holiday that gets burried in Christmas this year. If you would like to be extra thoughtful, make it Hanukkah.

There are Hanukkah items everywhere! Target has gift cards with Hanukkah and so does Borders Book Store.

I Also found Sugar free candy canes at Ralphs, for the Diabetics in my family.

M.