by A history-loving girl in Jerusalem asks about the real-life Santa, the Dead Sea, and a city sacred to many peoples
A Letter to Santa from Jerusalem, Israel
Dear Santa,
Shalom Santa! My name is Noa and I am 8 years old. I live in Jerusalem, in Israel, an ancient city of golden stone and winding streets. I love reading history and playing chess with my grandfather. My question is: who is Santa Claus in real life? Was there a real person? My geography question is: what is the Dead Sea, and why can you float in it? And my social studies question is: why is one city important to many different peoples? Toda, Santa!
Love, Noa (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, shalom Noa! A history reader and chess player will love this answer. In real life, the man behind me was a true historical person named Saint Nicholas, who lived about 1,700 years ago. In real life he was a bishop known for quietly helping people in need, especially poor children, often leaving gifts in secret so no one would know it was him. He was as real as you or your grandfather. Everything cheerful and giving about me grew, over many centuries, from the memory of his real-life kindness.
Your geography question: the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, which borders your own Israel, is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, and it sits at the lowest point of land anywhere in the world. Because the water is so full of salt, it is extra heavy, which makes swimmers float easily right on top, almost like sitting in a chair. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: a city sacred to many
Your own Jerusalem is important to many different peoples and faiths, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all of whom hold it dear for their own deep reasons. When one place matters greatly to many groups, it asks everyone to share it with respect and understanding. Learning why a place is special to others helps people live together more kindly. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Win a good game of chess for me, Noa. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
