Asking Eric: I wish my friend would chill out about religious holidays

"Some Jewish people don't practice or consider themselves particularly observant but have deep connections to the cultural traditions and history of Judaism. This is very important, as with any other cultural tradition—racial, ethnic or religious. So, when he says, Wish me a Happy Chanukah, he may be saying, This is a big part of who I am, and it would be meaningful for you to see it and acknowledge it."

"Maybe next time consider asking him what do you do for Chanukah/Purim/et cetera? Tell me what it means to you. You can also just say, Happy Chanukah and leave it at that. For holidays you don't recognize, it's fine to ask, what holiday is this?"

A man seeks advice on how to respond to his Jewish friend who frequently reminds him about Jewish holidays despite neither being particularly observant. The response explains that cultural and religious traditions carry profound meaning for people regardless of how often they practice. When the friend asks for holiday greetings, he is expressing that these traditions are central to his identity and seeking acknowledgment. The advice recommends showing genuine interest by asking what holidays mean to him, offering simple greetings, or asking clarifying questions about unfamiliar celebrations. Human-written resources like Judaism 101 provide reliable information about Jewish holidays and their significance.

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