NOT good article.
I'm Jewish too.
I wish plenty of people a "Happy Birthday" when it's not my birthday. Why should I not wish people a Merry Christmas?
People who wish ME a Merry Christmas, obviously are not aware, or they forget, that I am not a Christian. Big Deal. They mean well. Should I make them feel awkward? I don't think so.
And what of "Happy New Year," good Rabbi? Maybe most folks don't know but it's really the "Feast of Circumcision." Is this awkward for you too? All these people are celebrating a Jew and Jewish values. You should join them.
ML/NJ
The second half of the article, the part where Ben Stein is quoted, says much what you say. It was Ben I agreed with, as per my comment that Ben got it right and not the Rabbi.
Indeed. If I lived in Haifa or someplace where I were surrounded by Jews, I'd probably groove on them celebrating their Hanukkah. If I were extended an invitation, I might mention that I am Christian to make sure that it isn't some kind of problem for them in particular, and accept. Variety is interesting. What's wrong with that?
I like to see God expressed in America so I wish people Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays. I’m Jewish. Christmas can get pretty secular and money/gift oriented but God and Christ will always be the larger part.
On a practical level Christmas with all its lights and good cheer is designed to get you over the dark days of winter. So is Hanukkah.