"Kosher Clause" Appears At Jewish Community Center

[matcom]

<snip>

In the world of Santas — yes, there is such a milieu — Alan Katz has found his niche.

Performing a role that evolved from a Christian saint, Katz has created an alter ego of sorts he calls the "Kosher Claus," a Santa with more chutzpah than ho, ho, ho.

Most of the time, he works regular Santa stints at shopping centers, where long lines of children wait to tell him what they want for Christmas. But at private parties and performances at local Jewish community centers, Kosher Claus emerges.

There, they may holler out for his classic tune. That would be "Oy Vey in a Manger."

His Borscht Belt-meets-Burl Ives routine has brought a brisk workload for Katz in what could generously be called the backfield of the backfield of entertainment: the working Santa.

"I don't have to be Christian to believe in the joy you see in a child's eyes when they first meet Santa," Katz said.

"That goes beyond religion. Santa is more of a spiritual icon than a religious icon. Really, he's an icon for love."

For the parties that request Kosher Claus — he does not advertise this twist on Santa over his website; hosts have usually seen it themselves or heard of it — Katz has a routine. He may wear a prayer shawl and a yarmulke.

He has also replaced his red crushed velvet Santa cap with the round black head wear, or added the top hat and coat often worn by Hasidic Jews.

http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/showcase/la-me-santa22dec22.story

[LiberalinNC]

1. What about Hanukkah Harry?

Remember he saved Christmas on SNL? ;)

[Paleocon]

2. DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS?

THE OTHER NIGHT MY FATHER ARRIVED AT A
Chinese restaurant on the Upper West Side and said, indignantly: "I want to start a movement called Jews for Christmas."

I laughed, then realized he was serious.


http://www.nypress.com/17/51/news&columns/celiafarber.cfm