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It’s not just a myth that Jews head to Chinese restaurants on Christmas. It’s science.

JL;DR SUMMARY Jewish-Americans have cultivated a unique and enduring tradition of dining at Chinese restaurants on Christmas, rooted in early 20th-century immigrant adaptations and the convenience of Chinese establishments being open when others were not. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

Jewish TraditionsJewish CuisineAmerican JewsChristmasSocial CustomsChinese RestaurantsCultural AdaptationKosher ComedyNortheast UsaEthnic Food Trends

Places mentioned

Halfmoon, New York, United States
"Content: Table with dishes served family style on a rotating centerpiece at SparX Fine Chinese Cuisine in Halfmoon, New York."
New York, United States
"New York, which is home to the largest Jewish population in the country, came in seventh place."
Massachusetts, United States
"From Massachusetts to Ohio, Jewish delis have also planned their own Chinese-inspired menus to mark the tradition."
Ohio, United States
"From Massachusetts to Ohio, Jewish delis have also planned their own Chinese-inspired menus to mark the tradition."
Delaware, United States
"The top five states included Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire."
Rhode Island, United States
"The top five states included Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire."
Connecticut, United States
"The top five states included Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire."
New Jersey, United States
"The top five states included Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire."
New Hampshire, United States
"The top five states included Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire."
San Francisco, California, United States
"In San Francisco, the 33rd Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy show kicks off tonight, and runs through Friday, Dec. 26."

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Retrieved 2025-12-27 05:31:20 UTC
Curated 2025-12-27 08:30:50 UTC