In 2013, Hanukkah begins on November 28, the night before Thanksgiving. This will conflict with the plans of Jewish families to celebrate this important holiday as well as Thanksgiving. Since the gift-giving holiday comes before Black Friday, Jewish families could be expected to spend less money this year. With the Jewish population estimated to be 2.1% (as of December 2011) of the U.S. population (and if the Forbes 400 list of the Richest Americans is a hint, a disproportionately larger share of the total U.S. wealth), one should expect a moderately worse shopping season and a weaker economy. I propose moving Thanksgiving forward by 1 week, which would extend the shopping season for all Americans, Jewish and gentile alike. This would lead to a stronger economy and more revenue.



