Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

holidays

Happy Juneteenth

by

Happy Juneteenth! Juneteenth is a federal holiday (2021) that is being celebrated by African Americans all over the United States. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th because of the significance the date has to African American history. June 19, 1865 was when General Gordon Granger came to Texas to announce the end of slavery-over two years after the emancipation proclamation was signed into effect. Juneteenth is now an important date in African American history because it represents the freedom that all slaves longed for. While we celebrate Juneteenth, we should reflect on what it means to be both jewish and black. We should reflect on what it means to have freedom, equality, justice, and the journey of black jews. 

Being both Black and Jewish means living in two very diverse and rich cultures. It also means having to navigate between the greatness of the two histories and the judgment and struggle of these two misunderstood and marginalized communities. Both communities have faced multiple hardships, but through the fog, they have also been resistant. Often having to make the most out of nothing, doing whatever they could for survival of self, pride, and history. 

For more information, consider visiting these websites:

If you’re interested in reading more about black and Jewish identity, these works tackle themes of race, religion, belonging, identity, and justice: 

Nittle Nacht: A Jewish Christmas Eve Tradition

by 1 Comment

The Hav out for Chinese food in 2014

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?