Rabbis and Holiday Cards
December 18, 2013
A Seasonal Funny Jewish Humour Encore Presentation…
This year Jews are wondering, “Should I send my rabbi some sort of holiday greeting? And if so, is is a traditional paper card still the way to go?”
The International Coalition of Jewish Councils agree that it is well advised to be sending your rabbi holiday greetings.
Further studies have shown those same rabbinical recipients were more likely to be lenient with their congregants and less likely to hit them up for donations simply because they each received a friendly Chanukah card.
Leaving a little something in your rabbi’s mailbox is recommended, if not for the simple reason that it is a very powerful, yet very subtle way of networking a guest seat at your rabbi’s table for Shabbos. Oh yes…, he will remember you!
However, with brilliant ideas come caveats: when it comes to e-mailing your rabbi, hold back. Most senior rabbis govern their religious fiedoms with “old school” mentality. An e-mail will be interpreted by these Juden as being too cavalier, …like this website.
E-cards lack the personal touch that handwritten notes convey… like a prescription. And while we’re on it, Tweeting your rabbi or Liking him on Facebook is also a no-no.
Here are some additional guidelines to consider:
- >Never buy a Christmas card and write Chanukah over it.
- >Pictures of Christmas trees can never be substituted for a Chanukah bush.
- >Never purchase cheaply made cards that create paper-cuts all over your rabbi’s hands. Remember, those hands will be blessing your congregation!
- Not everyone celebrates the festival of Chanukah the same way. The wrong applesauce or type of sour cream on your guest’s latkes may, heaven forbid, send them into an emotional tailspin lasting more than 8 days. Customs and mileage may vary; consult with your local orthodox rabbinic authority.
- Always check your spelling. Any festive points you’re planning to score with your rabbi will be lost if he opens a card wishing him a “Happy Chaka Khan”.
