For many years, AARC members have joined Jews across America in the unofficial tradition of Chinese and a movie on Christmas Eve. This American cultural practice has roots that originate father than you might think in Eastern Europe and a tradition called Nittle Nacht.
According to Sefaria, Nittle Nacht has been observed on Christmas Eve since the 13th century. Nittle Nacht is commonly translated as ‘birth night’ in Yiddish, though some say the word ‘nittle’ refers to a Hebrew mention of Jesus as ‘the hanged one,’ or ‘nitleh.’
The practice has its origins in Eastern Europe in the late Middle Ages, when tensions between Christians and Jews ran high. On Christmas Eve when most Christians were headed to church, the visible reminder of the ‘otherness’ of the Jews who were not participating incited antisemitism. It was feared that Jews would be attacked when headed to study Torah on Christmas; therefore, rabbis banned Torah study on that day. There are other theories for the prohibition of Torah study on Nittle Nacht, such as the belief that studying Torah on this day would lend merit to Jesus. Whatever the origin of this holiday, for centuries Nittle Nacht observances usually involved Jews hunkering down and playing cards, chess, and dreidel as an alternative to study.
Over time, relations between Jews and Christians developed into a more peaceful coexistence, and the origins of Nittle Nacht became a distant yet formative memory. Still, traditions of spending time in community for Jews on Christmas Eve continued. In the early modern age in Germany, having a Christmas tree in the home was seen as a symbol of secular inclusion. Prominent Jews in Europe such as Theodor Herzl and Gershom Scholem were said to have Christmas trees in their homes. The origins of the modern ‘matzoh ball celebration,’ where Jews throw parties on Christmas Eve, was also born during this time.
Once in America in the 20th century, Jewish observations of Christmas Eve traditions began to blend into the birth of modern Hanukkah observance as a gift-giving holiday. Modern American Jewish homes can be seen decorated with Hanukkah lights and winter-themed decor. There are aspects of the winter holidays that are shared, such as the celebration of light amongst the darkness of winter. It is an interesting history that has led us to this place. What Christmas Eve traditions does your family practice every year?
Joey C. says
Not Christmas Eve, but on the day, my daughter and I have Chinese food.