My Jewish Response to a Friend’s Merry Christmas Wish

A friend wished me a “Very Merry Christmas,” as a closing sentiment in an e-mail, yesterday. I didn’t feel joy at his kind thoughts, I felt stung. If he’d been a stranger or an acquaintance in a supermarket, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. I’d have smiled with a gracious thank you and returned the sentiment with a more general happy holiday response, grateful to spread joy and cheer in…