Tilles encourages Christians to give their Jewish friends creative holiday gifts that share the hope of Christ at the same time. Something as simple as a basket filled with things that are significantly specific to the Jewish holiday—a menorah, candles and chocolate— will be appreciated.
Another idea is to invite a Jewish family over for dinner during Hanukkah. Keep in mind that it is tradition to eat foods that reflect the significance of the holiday. Since oil played such an important role in the history of Hanukkah, things like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (deep-fried doughnuts) are typically eaten during the holiday.
You can find Hanukkah recipes online to help plan your menu. Not feeling culinary? No worries. Most local grocery-store bakeries now carry many ethnic foods during the holidays. Remember to forego the holiday ham; choose chicken or roast beef instead.
Even sending a Happy Hanukkah card to your Jewish friends and co-workers is a simple way to express your friendship.
As you develop those relationships and are able to share your faith in Jesus, here are a few tips for breaking down barriers that sometimes exist between Christians and Jews.
When talking about Jesus, instead of “Christ,” which is based on the Greek word for “the Anointed One,” use “Messiah,” which is a Jewish term and concept. Use prophetic Old Testament scriptures that point to the specifics of Jesus’ life and death. However, refer to the “Old Testament” as the Tanakh (pronounced Tuh-Knokh) or Hebrew Bible.
Far too often Jewish impressions of Christianity have been characterized by arrogance, superiority and a disregard for Jewish culture. Humility, prayer and genuine compassion must characterize our Christian witness.
“Jewish people are always blown away by the fact that their Christian friends would think of them in a special way,” says Tilles. For more information about Judaism and how you can build bridges between you and your Jewish friends visit
www.4truth.net and
www.lightofmessiah.org.
As you and your family look for ways to be on mission during the holidays, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Take a look at the cultures represented by those around you and find ways to build bridges to share the gospel. Be respectful of other cultures, but above all show the love of Christ. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas! OM
The dreidel game is a favorite custom for Jewish children. The dreidel is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side—the first letters of the words meaning “a great miracle happened there.” Each evening of Hanukkah a candle is lit on the menorah.
Carol Pipes is editor of On Mission.
ON MISSION • Winter 2012 43
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