Interfaith Families Celebrating Chrismukkah Welcome Mensch On A Bench Into The Holiday Fold
With almost four-in-ten Jewish marriages being interfaith, The Mensch on a Bench provides families with a tool to promote and celebrate Judaism in these households.
CINCINNATI, Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- THE MENSCH ON A BENCH is on a mission to be inclusive and teach the true values of being a mensch. Armed with the knowledge that 35% of Jewish marriages since 2010 (Pew Research Center: Religious Landscape Study, 2015) have a spouse who is in a different religious group, Neal Hoffman, creator of The Mensch on a Bench is on a personal and professional mission to share the positive affirmations of the Jewish religion with the world and help create more meaningful Jewish moments.
While the idea of interfaith families celebrating both the best of Christmas and Hanukkah is nothing new, the term Chrismukkah was made even more popular a few years ago by Adam Brody through a character he played, Seth Cohen, on the television show, The O.C. Thanks to the show Chrismukkah has been given a mainstream voice. In fact, Mr. Hoffman is quite familiar with the subject as he is in an interfaith marriage, all while raising his two boys in the Jewish faith.
Chrismukkah is a chance to recognize and celebrate religious differences in a respectful and celebratory way. When it comes to the Jewish faith, it is a way to share the teachings of Judaism with a larger audience in a meaningful manner. Also, 2016 marks only the fifth time in the past 100 years that the 25th day of Kislev – the start of Hanukkah - falls on the same day as Christmas.
"The Mensch on a Bench line of products offer interfaith families a way to make sure that the festival of lights shines bright in interfaith households too, by giving them an anchor to celebrate Judaism," said Neal Hoffman, creator of The Mensch on a Bench. "With more and more families intertwining their faiths, and realizing that love often knows no religious bounds, it's important to be respectful and inclusive so that children can benefit from both worlds. The core message isn't about diluting a particular religion; it's about teaching acceptance, and recognizing and celebrating each others differences."
Additional positive messages are inherent in new products being added to The Mensch on a Bench's line up this year. Available this month will be the Hannah the Hanukkah Hero book and doll set, which teaches young girls about core Jewish values as well as an overall message of strength and courage against all odds. Also, the interactive doll Ask Bubbe, embraces the love we all have for our grandmothers, as well as the inevitable guidance and humor that come along with their well-intentioned opinions!
Rounding out the brand this year is the new Elf Yourself® "Chrismukkah" app from Office Depot and Office Max, which is a sequel to last year's hit dance and singing app featuring Moshe the Mensch and the popular acapella group, the Maccabeats. The new Chrismukkah app features Moshe and the ever-popular Elf Yourself elves dancing in harmony as they celebrate the spirit of the season.
Chrismukkah and The Mensch on a Bench continue to prove that finding common ground as our religious and marital landscape evolves, is not only the mensch-like thing to do, but also allows us to share in on twice the love and fun!
About The Mensch on a Bench
Created by Neal Hoffman, the award-winning The Mensch on a Bench tells the wonderful story of Moshe the Mensch, who watched over the menorah during the great miracle of Hanukkah. The hardcover storybook comes with a 12" plush doll that holds the Shamash (leader) candle. With over 5 million Jewish people in the United States, Moshe serves to introduce children to the traditions of Hanukkah, as well teaches them to be good and honorable people, known as "mensches." Available this holiday season at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's and other retailers, The Mensch on a Bench line of products includes Hannah the Hanukkah Hero, Ask Bubbe and more. For additional information, please visit www.TheMenschOnABench.com and to become a part of their fun-loving community, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Contact:
Allison Katz
NOBL Communications
508-963-9034
[email protected]
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161208/447136
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