Somehow I don’t think these two perspectives are different RELIGIOUS perspectives as much as they are different political perspectives.
Not being Jewish, I can’t speak with authority on these opinions. But it would seem to me that Reform Judaism is very often practised by political liberals. Political liberals of whatever religious bent, seem to have a problem with religiousity of any sort - particularly in a public forum.
On the other hand, surveys I have read, seem to imply that more Orthodox and Conservative Jews are political conservatives and political conservatives have no problem with religion.
Personally, I think that America needs as much “God” and religion as possible right now and always, regardless of the source. I have no problem with Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. They all basically have the same sponsor.
Merry CHristmas and Happy Hannuka.
If I know somebody is Jewish, I wish them Happy Hanukka and wish Christians Merry Christmas.
Now Islam is ANOTHER STORY.
I love being Hebrew ALL the time! Why should Christmas be any different? And why in the world would I not accept that a good person would wish me a Merry Christmas regardless? It’s just stupid. And it is sad that we are even discussing this.
I wear two Stars of David around my neck and around Christmastime, when I pass through a checkout line and hear the employees wishing people “Happy Holidays,” I make it a point to respond with “Merry Christmas.” It is inevitably met with a huge smile which is a happy thing to see. Why stifle it?
Usually by then, Chanukah is over and I have had my time. Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men is a wonderful thing. I await the Messiah. IF He has come and I do not know it, He will come again. If He has not come, we will ALL know when He does. So I have nothing to apologize for or dis anyone for. Religion is in the eye of the beholder. FAITH is something that resides within. I have faith. I believe in One G-d. No one can ask more of me...nor I of them.
So Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas because that is what it is!
By the way, I don’t think miracles is “minor.” Deform rabies get on my last nerve.
If it bothers you a bit that's a good thing. Your neshama is reminding you who you are and where you live.....in the diaspora. Either get use to it or go to the land which HaShem gave to you.
B'H
A real Jewish perspective can be heard in this audio
http://www.simpletoremember.com/media/a/Real-Story-of-X-mas-and-New-Years-b/
by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, a respected teacher.