(c) 2000 Dr Hendel; 1st appeared in Torah Forum (c) 1996-2000 Project Genesis

Re: Celebrating American holidays

Russell Hendel (rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu)
Mon, 7 Jul 1997 19:31:38 -0400

Benson Stone asked:
<<Should w celebrate American holidays?>>

The answer could perhaps be found in Jeremiah 29: 7 " And seek the peace
of the city that I have exiled you there and pray for her to G-d,
because thru their peace will you have peace."

I would suggest that <<seek the peace>> would include celebrating the
various holidays of the country and the concepts they stand for--July 4th
for independence, Thanksgiving to give thanx etc.

Needless to say we should abstain from frivoloty, drunkedness and those
holidays that emanate from other religions (like Christmas which is also a
national holiday).

Russell Jay Hendel; Ph.d.;A.S.A; RHendel @ mcs . Drexel . Edu