I’ve never really done this before, I’m not Jewish and I don’t have any close Jewish friends. What would be an appropriate gift for a Jewish male in his 40’s, within a $20-$50 range?
Also, would gift wrap and a card be offensive since that is sort of a Christmas tradition? (Yea I know stupid question, but I just want to make sure)
Thanks!
A Channuka gift may be politically smart, but totally unnecessary from a Channuka standpoint. If you were to buy him something, you may want to understand his level of involvement in his faith. A card would be ok, also – but not necessary.
As an Orthodox Jew, I would not use media related gifts. A less "strict" observer may welcome something like that. I think the book is a great idea, but that may have unexpected "overtones" if it were something Christian leaning in nature. A book on the Holocaust may have the same unintended reaction. Is he a family man? How about something he can enjoy with his family?
The key idea is that we Jews know we are not part of the dominant culture. As with all gifts, it is the thought and effort that counts. Keep it respectful and safe.
July 25th, 2010 at 3:06 am
Hanuka is NOT the Jewish version of Christmas, I don’t think it would be appropriate to give him a gift, that in not how it is observed. A card would be appropriate, to show you respect his faith and care for him as a person.
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July 25th, 2010 at 3:46 am
Just give him a book. A really good book. I know this stuff I am Jewish trust me!
You don’t need a card or raping paper just say Happy Hanukkah! When you give it to him.
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July 25th, 2010 at 4:09 am
Use wrapping paper that is blue and white, and doesn’t have Christmas stuff all over it…something with generic designs, not angels, or Christmas stars.
Card…"Season’s Greetings" rather than "Merry Christmas". Again, avoid lots of red and green.
They DO sell Chanukah cards and wrapping paper, but it’s kinda silly to buy a whole roll to use for one gift.
Yeah, a book, or music…just, you know, avoid Christmas themes.
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July 25th, 2010 at 4:54 am
I agree that a book is a really good idea, and gift wrap and a card is fine, but avoid stuff like seasons greetings, if you have to you can write out a card.
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July 25th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Get him a big old pork roast and a grilled cheese sandwich! =D
Also if he has one tug on his pais and grab his yamaka and blow your nose in it then slap it back on his head and inform him that your not kosher. =D
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It works! =D
July 25th, 2010 at 6:06 am
A Channuka gift may be politically smart, but totally unnecessary from a Channuka standpoint. If you were to buy him something, you may want to understand his level of involvement in his faith. A card would be ok, also – but not necessary.
As an Orthodox Jew, I would not use media related gifts. A less "strict" observer may welcome something like that. I think the book is a great idea, but that may have unexpected "overtones" if it were something Christian leaning in nature. A book on the Holocaust may have the same unintended reaction. Is he a family man? How about something he can enjoy with his family?
The key idea is that we Jews know we are not part of the dominant culture. As with all gifts, it is the thought and effort that counts. Keep it respectful and safe.
References :
Enjoy your holidays – wish i could help more but EVERY JEW IS DIFFERENT. Remember, if you have met one Jew, you have met ONE Jew.
July 25th, 2010 at 6:50 am
give him a dreidl.
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personal experience, 50 years of dreidl collecting
July 25th, 2010 at 7:38 am
same thing you would give a 40’s male of any other persuasion. You can wrap as long as it’s not christmassy.
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