RNS Morning Report: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’s plot to ruin Christmas, and America

Top Stories Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer’s plot to ruin Christmas, and America (RNS) — Jews have long played a role in shaping how Americans celebrate Christmas. For Christian nationalism leader Andrew Torba, their contributions are a sign of a plot to remove Jesus from the Christmas story.   Study: Most Americans are spiritual but a growing number say they are not religious (RNS) — Among the spiritual but not religious, 38% say religion does more harm than good, while just 7% of religious Americans share this view.   Germany’s chancellor lights first Hanukkah candle on a huge menorah at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate BERLIN (AP) — This year’s holiday comes as many Jews feel traumatized by Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel.   Families had long dialogue after Pittsburgh synagogue attack. Now they’ve unveiled a memorial design PITTSBURGH (AP) — In the design, a walkway leads visitors into garden memorial with 11 sculpted forms of open books, each representing one of the victims. RNS Opinion How to celebrate an ancient victory in the midst of a war that’s not over (RNS) — One solution lies in perhaps the best-known part of the Hanukkah story — the miracle of the oil.   Why I miss Norman Lear (RNS) — A television producer, director, cultural hero — and a religious thinker. ICYMI Democrats fracture over antisemitism vote (RNS) — Rep. Jerry Nadler, the most senior Jewish lawmaker in the House, called the bill ‘the latest unserious attempt by Republicans to weaponize Jewish pain.’   ‘The Prince of Egypt’ live-action musical is now streaming (RNS) — RNS spoke to Scott Schwartz, director of the musical adaptation of the widely acclaimed 1998 animated movie, about the West End production. In Other News At the GOP debate, Ron DeSantis calls Middle Eastern garb ‘man dresses’ Denmark passes law to ban Quran burnings   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend