- Nittel Nacht
-
Nittel Nacht[1] is a name given to Christmas Eve by Jewish scholars in the 17th century,[2] although Rabbi Samuel Eides already observed the day by the late 16th century.[2] In the Middle Ages (in Christendom), Jews were forbidden from appearing in public during the high Christmas holidays,[3] and as such the day marked the beginning of a siege of sorts for certain Jewish populations. Jewish mystics believed apostates were conceived on the day and as a result Rabbis forbade married couples from sex on Nittle Nacht.[2] Studying the Torah was also forbidden,[2] although some read the Toledot Yeshu instead.[2] Passing the time playing card games was also popular.[2]
After the advent of the Gregorian Calendar, Orthodox Christians and Catholic Christians observed Christmas Eve on two separate dates; this led to Rabbinic debate, and Nittel Nacht is observed in accordance with the local Christian community. Certain pious Jews observe Nittel Nacht twice each year.[2]
By the 20th century, Judeo-Christian relations had matured to where these customs faded in popularity,[2] although Nittel Nacht is still observed by certain Orthodox groups.[2]
See also
- Tisha B'Av, a holiday with some similar customs.[2]
- Kvitlech, a card game played around Hanukkah.
References
- ^ Yiddish, Leil Hannital in Hebrew. see Shkalim, Esther; Diana Schiowitz, Frieda Horwitz (2006). A mosaic of Israel's traditions: holidays, feasts, fasts. Devora. p. 137. ISBN 1932687564.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cohen, Benyamin (2009-12-23). "Holy Night: The little-known Jewish holiday of Christmas Eve. Seriously.". Slate. http://www.slate.com/id/2238708/.
- ^ Isaac Landman, ed (1942). The Universal Jewish encyclopedia ...: an authoritative and popular presentation of Jews and Judaism since the earliest times. 8. The Universal Jewish encyclopedia, Inc.. pp. 224.
Categories:- Christmas-linked holidays
- December observances
- Christianity and Judaism
- Judaism stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
