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Nittel Nacht, also known as “Christmas Night” or “Blind Night” in Yiddish, refers to Christmas Eve in Ashkenazi Jewish communities. During this time, especially among Hasidic Jews, the tradition is to refrain from studying the Torah, which may be traced back to the medieval Latin term “Natale Domini,” meaning “the birth of the Lord.” Various practices have emerged around Nittel Nacht, such as abstaining from Torah study, avoiding public activities, and engaging in specific customs to subtly express disdain for the Christian holiday of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The origins of the name and the tradition are varied, braided with historical events, apologetic stances, and coded language. Despite its complex origins, some Jewish communities continue to observe Nittel Nacht today.

Nittel Nacht (Yiddish: “Christmas Night” or “Blind Night”) is the term used to refer to Christmas Eve in the Jewish communities of Ashkenazi descent. They also call this day simply “Nittel” or “Nitel,” and it is customary for Jews, especially Hasidic Jews, to not study the Torah on this evening. This practice may be traced back to medieval Latin, notably “Natale Domini,” which means “the birth of the Lord,” and in this sense, “Nittel Nacht” also means “night (of the holiday) of the birth.”

The Harsh Practices Associated with Nittel Nacht

Nittel Nacht is celebrated in a number of different ways by different groups but is most widely associated with the Hasidic communities of Eastern Europe and Hungary. On Christmas Eve, the fundamental tradition is to abstain from studying the Torah from sundown until midnight. German rabbi Moses Sofer’s students often went to bed early and came back to work after midnight. Another practice includes speaking aloud the part of the prayer known as “Aleinu” that asks God to forgive those “who bow down to vanity and emptiness,” which was formerly said in hushed tones to spare the feelings of Christians.

Some Hasidic groups provide regular gatherings where members may learn about secular issues, play chess, or share a friendly game of cards. The Mertzdorf Hasidic group has a tradition of cooking items with a particularly offensive smell as a way of subtly displaying their disdain. One of the Gur Hasidim leaders used to tear toilet paper into strips and use them all year as a sign of the group’s stance against the Jewish Christian faith.

According to legend, Solomon Luria, a famous Polish Jewish scholar, used this night to tithe, or donate 10% of his income and expenditures, to good causes. Nittel is used by a large number of individuals to perform a wide range of administrative, organizational, and domestic duties. Some people would spend hours a day reading biographies of saints. Some Hasidic groups also observe the sabbath by immersing in a ceremonial bath (mikveh), fulfilling the requirement of “Onah” (marital relations), and refraining from being married on this night.

The Book of the Tales of Jesus, a “humorous” depiction of Jesus’ life written in Hebrew in the early Middle Ages and later translated into Yiddish, is read in certain communities on this day. Furthermore, in the 19th century, the “Megillat Nittel” (Nittel Scroll) appeared, which recounts the events of Jesus’ life and is said to have been written by one of Moses Sofer’s students from materials he discovered in his teacher’s possession.

Some celebrate both “Nittel Gadol” (Big Nittel) and “Nittel Katan” (Small Nittel), both on the evening of the Western Christmas (December 24) and on the evening of the Eastern Christmas (January 6, also known as “Second Christmas”). Hasidim who “choose” between the two Christmas dates often follow the Christian tradition that is more widely observed in their nation. As an added bonus, some Hasidic courtyards celebrate Nittel on January 5 from midday to midnight.

Nittel Nacht in History

Annotations to the Austro-Hungarian historian Isaac Tyrnau’s “Book of Customs” from the 14th century provide the earliest evidence of the practices associated with Nittel Nacht; in them, the custom of reciting the prayer “Aleinu” aloud on this night is mentioned, along with the phrase “who bow down to vanity and emptiness,” which is avoided during the rest of the year out of respect for the Christian community. A notable 17th-century German Jew, Yair Bacharach, first documented the practice of halting study on a certain festival night. As for the name “Nittel,” he said, “Lest a Capricorn be swallowed between seventy lions, we do not count on a miracle.”

The Mishnah’s tractate Avodah Zarah in Talmud states that “three days before their (idolaters’) holidays, it is forbidden to engage in commerce with them, borrow from them, lend to them, repay debts to them, or demand repayment from them.”

According to the Mishnah, these celebrations were known as “Kalenda, Saturnalia, and Kratisim, the day of their king’s birth and the day of his death (Genusia).” Kalenda and Saturnalia, two winter solstices observed in ancient Europe and recorded in the Mishnah, had an early impact on the development of Christmas celebrations. These well-known celebrations were included in Christian rituals as a means of attracting new members.

Commenting on the Mishnah, Italian rabbi Obadiah of Bertinoro (1450–1516) stated, “It is forbidden to engage in commerce with Christians every Sunday, and also on their holidays when they celebrate, such as Nittel and Peshkva, but their other idolatrous days, which they observe for their holy beings where divinity is not invoked, are permissible.”

In 1616, the anti-Semitic polemicist Dietrich Schwaab testified about the distorted custom in his book “The Jewish Mask” (Jüdischer Deckmantel):

“While we Christians, according to our ancient and beautiful custom, celebrate with great honor, with ringing bells, in prayer, singing, and gratitude… and the Jews hear the ringing bells, they utter words of mockery… He is here, to instill fear in the hearts of the children and the rest of the household, to the point where they do not want to go to the restroom unless they have a great need… Likewise, they do not permit themselves to study or pray on the night of Christmas, which they call ‘Nittel,’ meaning the holiday of hanging. The reason for this is that they believe that on this night, Jesus is in terrible agony, and by preventing study and prayer, he will not find peace and tranquility. Therefore, they prefer to sit idle, curse, and mock him.”

Why Jews Don’t Study Torah on Nittel Nacht

The grieving for the birth of Jesus is the reason why Torah study is forbidden on Nittel Nacht, according to a 17th-century rabbi from Karlsruhe named Nathaniel Weil. Moses Sofer, on the other hand, disputes the mourning justification, maintaining that one may engage in permitted study at any time, regardless of whether it is before or after midnight. According to him, this means that the restriction against studying the Torah is designed to silence academics. To prevent a scenario where Jews are asleep when Christians are up, they will retire to bed early at night owing to their lack of activity and wake up at midnight when the Christians rise for their prayers.

An explanation ascribed to the French rabbi Rashi’s book “Likutei HaPardes” is referenced in the late 19th-century book “Ta’amei HaMinhagim VeMekorei HaDinim,” which states that on Christmas Eve, disruptions and assaults on Jews who ventured out into the streets were widespread. This clarification does not occur in Rashi’s “Likutei HaPardes,” although its likely exclusion was owing to book burnings or other forms of censorship that targeted Hebrew texts.

This account of the origin of the tradition has been adopted by several scholars. On the other hand, critics say the risk rationale isn’t credible since education could continue in the comfort of one’s own home and there’s no proof that public prayer was suspended. The rabbis’ apologetic and contradictory stance against Christians’ assertions that Jews do not study the Torah in order to disrupt Jesus’ peace might be a manifestation of their fear of their Christian surroundings.

An example of this can be seen in the correspondence between the Jewish book censor in Prague, Karl Fischer, and Bohemian rabbi Elazar Fleckeles (1754–1826), who attempts to dismiss the questioner’s opinion by belittling certain customs and offering convoluted explanations about the origin of the term “Nittel.” The rationales from the realms of mysticism and Kabbalah refer to the night being considered impure due to the birth of Jesus, and special impure forces are attributed to that night.

The 9th of Tevet, which is quite near Christmas, is listed as a fast day on a list of around 20 days of sorrow that was transmitted from the book “Halachot Gedolot” to the “Shulchan Aruch”. But unlike the other days on the list, no clear explanation is given for this fast; instead, it is simply said, “The distress that occurred on this day is not known.” But later, rabbis interpreted that the day of Jesus’ birth was the cause of this fast. However, there is no Jewish tradition associated with abstaining from food for a Christian feast.

Theories for the Origin of This Name

Several folk theories have been proposed to explain the origin of the word:

• Theory 1: The phrase “the night of the removal of that man from the world” is the inspiration for the name. Jews have always avoided discussing Jesus or even using his name.
• Theory 2: A coded term used to keep the beginnings of the Jewish words (“Nisht Yiden Tarn La’er’an”) which means “Jews are forbidden to study Torah”.
• Theory 3: Perhaps because no one was studying the Torah at that time, “Nittel Nacht” was a common name for the night in Eastern Europe.
• Theory 4: “Nolad Yeshu Tet L’Tevet” is an initialism for the Hebrew phrase “Some believe that the 9th of Tevet fell on the same day as Jesus’ birthday.”

Another theory contends that the original name for Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, was “Chag HaNitu’ach” (the “Hanging Holiday”), a derogatory term Jews used to refer to Jesus because of the account of his execution by crucifixion on the eve of Passover (according to the Book of Acts) “for sorcery and inciting Israel” French rabbi Rashi used the word “Nitu’ach” (hanging) in his works as early as the 13th century. Over time, the written form of “Chag HaNitu’ach” morphed into “Chag HaNitul” and then “Chag HaNittel” to conceal its true meaning from non-Jews.

It is not surprising that some Jewish communities still practice this ritual today despite its roots in historical and theological contexts given the complex interaction between cultural practices and religious beliefs.

Since the birth of Jesus has no religious significance in Judaism, Jews do not celebrate Christmas as a religious festival. In countries like Russia, where pine trees are linked with the New Year, Jews may observe non-religious aspects of Christmas celebrations, like having a tree. Some Jews may celebrate Christmas with friends and family, with an emphasis on sharing good times rather than religious adherence.

Hanukkah (late November–early December), a Jewish festival celebrated for eight days, often coincides with Christmas and shares several of its traditions, such as the exchange of gifts and the display of festive decorations. In the past, when Jews lived in areas where they were persecuted, they established new Christmas customs to help keep them safe. Unlike Christmas, which commemorates the birth of a religious figure, Jews commemorate Hanukkah for the Maccabean revolt and subsequent triumph against the Hellenistic-Syrian empire.

-> See also: Do Jewish People Celebrate Halloween?

The Reasons Why Jews Don’t Celebrate Christmas

According to Jewish people, no Jewish person or community should ever celebrate Christmas for the following reasons:

Theological Disagreements

Christians believe Jesus to be the promised Messiah, while Jews disagree. Jewish people think he can’t be the one who was prophesied since he hasn’t fulfilled all of the prophecies about him. Christians, but not Jews, expect Jesus’ second coming to bring about the events foretold in his writings. Jews observe the Torah, which Jesus ‘violated’ by not keeping the Sabbath sacred according to Jews. Christianity directly challenges Jewish tenets. When it comes to God, Roman Catholics believe in a Holy Trinity consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whereas Jews hold that there is only one God.

Traditional Persecution

Jews in Eastern and Central Europe have been terrified of Christmas for millennia. To escape danger, they would stay indoors and engage in peaceful family activities. The 25th of December often saw a peak in anti-Jewish violence in history.

Nittel Nacht: Jewish Christmas Eve

During the Middle Ages, Jews were prohibited from public appearances during Christmas, with Christmas Eve often leading to attacks on them. To avoid danger, many Jews observed Nittel Nacht (“Idle Night” or “Blind Night”) by staying home and refraining from any activities that might suggest they were celebrating the Christian holiday. They passed time by playing cards and chess.

Originating in the 16th century, Nittel Nacht, named for Christmas Eve in Yiddish and marked by Jewish scholars, involved abstaining from Torah study and refraining from public appearances due to historical tensions. Some customs included late-night games, while certain Hasidic communities continue to observe them in modern times.

Hanukkah: A Jewish Alternative to Christmas

In the same timeframe as Christians celebrate Christmas, Jews observe Hanukkah. While for some, Hanukkah serves as a Jewish alternative to Christmas, for others, it’s just another opportunity to take part in mainstream society. The Zionist movement embraced Hanukkah because of the holiday’s symbols of Jewish manhood, power, and political triumph. Some Jews combine the two holidays into one they call “Chrismukkah.”

Hanukkah takes place over the course of eight consecutive evenings and days. The date of this festival varies from year to year, although it is often around the latter half of November or the beginning of December. This is the case since Hanukkah is fixed to the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev.

Commercialization

Another factor in Jews’ refusal to observe Christmas is the holiday’s increasing commercialization. The commercialization of the celebration, which emphasizes extensive preparation for Christmas, has muddied the traditionally liturgical separation of Advent and the Christmas season.

Then Why Did Jews Write Christmas Songs and Movies?

Many popular Christmas songs and films have Jewish composers or directors for a few reasons. To make ends meet and feel more included in mainstream society, some Jews continued to create Christmas-themed music and films. This was a way for them to feel involved in the society they were living in.

• Integrating Themselves: It’s possible that Jews’ desire to fit in was a driving force behind the proliferation of Christmas music and films. Jewish artists and musicians participated in the celebration of Christmas through their works. It allowed them to blend in with society without losing their religious identity.
• Opportunity: Jews in the early 20th century had limited employment options, but those working in the entertainment sector were mostly unaffected by the pervasive anti-Semitism of the time. The hope of making it big in the music or film industry meant the possibility of escaping the plight of immigrant poverty.
• Appreciation for the United States of America: Throughout their Christmas and other songs from the mid-20th century, Jewish artists express their own successful assimilation and appreciation for America. Their art appealed to a nation that wanted to feel courageous and unified as it fought World War II.
• Secular Lyrics and Films: Jewish singers and filmmakers have often crafted secular takes on the Christmas genre. Both the joy of the holiday season and its status as a uniquely American celebration are captured in those works.

Why Some Jews Still Celebrate Christmas

While Jews do not celebrate Christmas, some of them nevertheless do, particularly mixed households:

• Interfaith: One or both members of an interfaith couple usually opt to observe both the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah and the Christian holiday of Christmas.
• Open Mindness: Rather than seeing it as a religious holiday, some Jews celebrate it as a cultural holiday. The party’s décor, music, and vibe can strike a chord with anyone. The secular customs of exchanging presents and decorating a tree may be observed.
• Feeling a Part of It: Feeling part of society is a driving motivation for those Jews. To avoid feeling out of place throughout the holiday, some Jews prefer to celebrate it even if it isn’t their favorite holiday.
• Blending In: For the sake of blending in, some Jewish people celebrate Christmas. They feel pressured to fit in with the majority, and adopting a Christmas celebration is one way to do so.

What Do Jews Do on Christmas?

They take this holiday season as an excuse to delve into their own distinct activities:

1. Movies and Chinese Food: Due to the fact that many businesses shut on Christmas Day, many people go to the relatively few venues that are open, such as movie theaters and Chinese restaurants.
2. Family Visiting: Some Jews utilize this day to get together with relatives or catch up on work.
3. Hanukkah: It is possible for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah to coincide with Christmas in certain years. Many Jewish households observe this holiday by lighting the hanukkiah, engaging in games of dreidel, and feasting on traditional dishes such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
4. Synagogue: If Christmas comes on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, some Jews may observe the holiday by attending synagogue.

The Relationship Between Christmas and Judaism

Christ’s birth is commemorated as the reason for Christmas, a Christian celebration. It is not a Jewish festival, and Jews do not observe it religiously. Yet, Christmas and Judaism have shared roots throughout history.

There is a correlation between the persecution of Jews and the holiday season since so many well-known Christmas songs and films have Jewish composers or authors. Many Jews feel uneasy about Christmas Eve, which is known as Nittel Nacht in Jewish tradition.

Persecution: For decades, Central and Eastern European Jews lived in terror of Christmas because of persecution. Normally, devout Jews wouldn’t be seen at the synagogue on Christmas Day, studying the Torah. Wary of being assaulted in the street, they sought sanctuary in their houses, playing cards and board games with their families. As a result of being the religious minority in nations where Christians make up the majority, many Jews have traditionally been subjected to antisemitism.

Jewish Ties: There are Jewish ties to Christmas music since several well-known carols were penned by Jews. Jewish authors have produced some of the most beloved Christmas films and TV specials. However, a recent approach for Jews to react to the Christmas mindset has been loudly reiterating their ethnicity in defiance of the holiday.

Christmas and Hanukkah: Over time, a connection emerged between the Jews and the great Christian festival of Christmas, including the establishment of independent customs and the confluence of Hanukkah and Christmas. While some traditions endure due to a fear of change, others thrive because they are fun and easy to access when stores are closed over the Christmas season.

Nittel Nacht: In Jewish practice, Christmas Eve is referred to as Nittel Nacht. On Nittel Nacht, people consume large quantities of garlic to fight off the werewolves and vampires that are claimed to prowl the streets. The day of Nittel Nacht is also taboo for sexual activity since it is believed that a child conceived on that day would be born with wicked intentions.

December Dilemma: Many Jews feel uneasy about Christmas, creating a dilemma for everyone throughout December. They are OK with those around them enjoying Christmas, but they themselves feel uneasy about all the holiday glitz and glitter. Jewish parents suffer the “December Dilemma” when their children express envy for the gifts and celebrations associated with the Christmas holiday, and interfaith couples face the same dilemma while trying to determine how to celebrate the December holidays.

The Origins of Christmas

The roots of Christmas trace back thousands of years to primitive rituals around the midwinter solstice. In time, the celebration has adapted to include elements from many different cultures.

Beginnings in Paganism

Many of the customs linked to Christmas have pagan roots. During the winter solstice, the Germanic peoples had a feast known as Yule. The festivities included cooking over open flames, exchanging gifts, and lighting candles. The arrival of longer days and more sunshine during the winter solstice was a cause for celebration in many civilizations.

The Norse celebrated Yule from the winter solstice on December 21 to January. During the midwinter festival, the pagan deity Oden was celebrated throughout Germany. Both Saturnalia, a two-week celebration commemorating Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, and Mithra’s birthday, the Roman deity of the sun, were celebrated by the ancient Romans in December.

The Christian Origin

In 325 AD, on December 25th, the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine the Great, established Christmas as a fixed feast. The 25th of December has been celebrated as a holiday since at least 273 AD. However, history tells us that the first confirmed Christmas was celebrated on December 25, 336 AD, marking the beginning of the Christian era.

The date was selected because it marks nine months after March 25, the day traditionally observed as the anniversary of the Annunciation and the beginning of the Christian calendar. In the eyes of Christians, Jesus Christ is both God’s son and humanity’s savior, and his birth is celebrated as a holy day. Christians take stock of their faith and their lives during this holiday season dedicated to commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and honoring his life and teachings.

The First Christmas Trees

Decorating Christmas trees is a German custom that dates back to the Middle Ages. The tradition of decorating a tree with Christmas ornaments dates back to at least the 16th century and gained widespread acceptance in the 19th. Decorating evergreen trees with lights and decorations is a common method to mark the winter holiday season and the renewal represented by the season. Since 1870, the federal government has officially recognized December 25 as a holiday.

Why Gift-Giving?

The tale of the Three Wise Men visiting the infant Jesus and presenting him with gifts is the basis for the custom of exchanging presents at Christmastime. In the 18th century, gift-giving among families was already a common practice.

Commercialization

The commercialization of Christmas originated in the 19th century, when greeting cards and commercialized gift-giving became commonplace. This commercialization, with its focus on elaborate Christmas preparations, has blurred the traditional religious distinction between Advent and the Christmas period.