Hanukkah bush
December hybrid decoration
A Hanukkah bush is a decorated tree or shrub displayed in Jewish homes during Hanukkah, resembling a Christmas tree.
The practice emerged among American Jews seeking to participate in seasonal festivities while maintaining Jewish identity: The kids wanted a Christmas tree, so we compromised with a Hanukkah bush.
Some Jews embrace it as harmless fun; others view it as inappropriate assimilation.
Decorative embellishments for display
- lightsSources of illumination
- tinselMetallic decorative strips
- garlandDecorative strand of foliage
- decorationsObjects adding visual appeal
blue · white · silver · glitter · star topper · celebration · presents · family
Decorated seasonal evergreen display
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
- intermarriageWedding between different groups
- blended familyHousehold with steprelations
- syncretismFusion of different beliefs
cultural adaptation · pluralism · secularism · inclusion · coexistence · compromise · identity · integration
Jewish ceremonial lampstand
- dreidelHebrew-lettered spinning top
- latkesFried shredded potato cakes
- geltSlang for cash
- Star of DavidJewish religious emblem
shamash · Maccabees · miracle · oil · eight nights · festival of lights · rededication · kippah
Quality of being genuine
- debateFormal argument on issues
- criticismJudgment of faults
- puristsStrict adherence advocates
- traditionCustom passed through generations
boundaries · cultural preservation · appropriation · commercialization · dilution · acceptance · generational divide · Reform
ornaments
Decorative embellishments for display
decorations · blue · white · silver · glitter · star topper · celebration · presents · family · merriment
Christmas tree
Decorated seasonal evergreen display
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
- intermarriageWedding between different groups
- blended familyHousehold with steprelations
syncretism · cultural adaptation · pluralism · secularism · inclusion · coexistence · compromise · identity · integration · multiculturalism
menorah
Jewish ceremonial lampstand
Star of David · shamash · Maccabees · miracle · oil · eight nights · festival of lights · rededication · kippah · Havdalah
authenticity
Quality of being genuine
tradition · boundaries · cultural preservation · appropriation · commercialization · dilution · acceptance · generational divide · Reform · denominational
Hanukkah bushChristmas tree
Decorated seasonal evergreen display
menorah · Tannenbaum · Yule tree · nativity scene · Advent wreath
Hanukkah bushmenorah
Jewish ceremonial lampstand
dreidel · gelt · Christmas tree · mezuzah · cultural preservation