There's No Such Thing As a Chanukah Bush, Sandy Goldstein

by Susan Sussman

This classic holiday book tells the story of a little Jewish girl at Christmastime. It is her wise grandfather who helps her understand the difference between sharing something because she believes in it, and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it. Recommended by the National Conference of Christians and Jews as "a story promoting brotherhood and understanding," an EMMY-award winning film by the same name is also available on Amazon.

Genres: Fiction, Jewish, Childrens, Judaism

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1983

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I vaguely remember reading this book as a child. It was first published in 1983 and when I pulled it off the library shelf I saw that it hadn't been checked out since 1995. I was expecting the story to be dated and no longer relevant but I was totally wrong!

"It isn't easy being Jewish at Christmas time," declares Robin. Her neighbor Sandy Goldstein, who is Jewish, has a Chanukah Bush and Robin doesn't understand why she can't have one too. Her mother explains that "what Sandy Goldstein has is a Christmas tree" and "there are many ways of being Jewish." Mom continues: "If Sandy Goldstein's parents feel they can live with a Christmas tree, then that is their business. But I will not have one in my home." But then Robin's grandfather invites her to attend his company Christmas party with him and Robin doesn't understand how they can attend if they don't believe in Christmas. Grandpa wisely explains: "There is a difference between celebrating something because you believe in it, and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it." Robin has a wonderful time at the Christmas party - dancing and singing Christmas carols, decorating the tree, and even sitting on Santa's lap. She then invites her new friend Heather to celebrate Chanukah with her family. At the end of the story, Robin decides that "it wasn't so tough to be Jewish at Christmas if you had friends who shared with you. And maybe Sandy Goldstein didn't . . . which was why she needed a Chanukah bush."

This might have been the first book published to address Christmas envy (please correct me if I'm wrong!) and I think it will still resonate with readers today. I love the message that it sends to both Jewish and non-Jewish readers about honoring and celebrating each other's traditions while remaining true to your own. It looks like it's out of print but it is available as an e-Book and used copies are plentiful from online booksellers. And, I will definitely check out the DVD which supposedly won an Emmy.

[Alyse Liebovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That afternoon we practiced Christmas carols. I just mouthed the words. I didn't know if Jews were supposed to sing the words "little Lord Jesus" and "'ron yon Virgin." I did sing "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." They seemed safe." I feel like Sussman translated my kid thoughts about celebrating Hanukkah when it seemed like all the focus was on Christmas into a children's book. Also, I love the title of this book.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. My children are not old enough to read it, but as soon as they are--and the inevitable "Christmas envy" sets in--this is the book I will read to them. Robin gives voice to a lot of the thoughts Jewish kids have at this time of year, which is important and unusual, because we're often taught to just push down that jealousy and pretend it doesn't exist. And Grandpa! He is such a wonderful character. I had a Grandpa who was a lot like him.

In the end, the book has a wonderful message, that can be summed up by this quote from Robin's Grandpa. "I think there is a difference between celebrating something because you believe in it, and helping friends celebrate something because they believe in it." It's such a simple idea, yet one that is so hard to come to while you are bombarded with Christmas culture. This book, even though it is directed at children, brought a kind of clarity to my approach to the holiday season more than any parenting blog or article about the topic.

[Joerg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the story. You can apply the moral of the story in so many contexts and situations these day. I really think often about it. I would have loved to read more and feel it would have done even better as part of a collection / as part of a book with several short stories.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found the book. I wish I found the movie too.

[Eden Anolick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in my memories and I recently reread it. Cute story that teaches how we can appreciate Christmas without celebrating and maintain our own Jewish identities and traditions.