The Jewish way to pass the Eve of Dec 25th
Brief History and Introduction
December 25th is universally celebrated by non-Jews as the birthday of the person upon whom a dominant non-Jewish religion was founded; a person who unfortunately also “carried the Halachic status of ‘a Jew who lures other Jews to idol-worship.’” For that reason, a spirit of extreme spiritual impurity prevails on that night. Additionally, there was a lengthy period in history when it was common for members of that religion to “celebrate” the eve of Dec 25th by attacking Jews; this led to a Rabbinic decision against keeping the Yeshivas open on the eve of Dec 25th.
In the words of the Previous Rebbe, “It is our custom to refrain from studying Torah on ‘Nitel Nacht’ until midnight.” The reason for this restriction – as heard from his father, the Rebbe Rashab – is “in order not to add spiritual vitality” to the forces of impurity. In other words, we do not wish to add spiritual vitality to “that person” [the one whose birth they celebrate] nor to “those who presently follow his views.”
“Hayom Yom” (entry for Teves 17) quotes the Rebbe Rashab as saying, “I am not fond of those students who begrudge these eight hours and cannot tear themselves away from Torah study...”
Follow the Current Non-Jewish Calendar
Nowadays, the timing of “Nitel Nacht” follows the non-Jewish calendar that is used in America and most other countries (including Russia, who used to follow a different calendar), i.e., the 25th of December.
Rebbe’s Game of Chess
The Rebbe Rashab would spend “Nitel Nacht” playing chess or providing advice for those playing the game. The reason behind this practice is that even the very lowliest time on the calendar, which cannot be refined in a “direct” manner via Torah study, should at least be utilized – and thereby elevated – by engaging in a gainful pursuit, such as a game which clearly sharpens one’s mind.
Don’t Squander Your Time
The Rebbe Rashab’s custom provides us with an instruction: We should not squander the time of “Nitel Nacht” by doing nothing at all, G-d Forbid; rather we should spend it in a gainful manner (particularly in a manner that increases wisdom) or to perform acts of Tzedakah and kindness – or even by simply taking care of the house and so forth.
View Images of the Rebbe
We could also utilize the time to picture the image of the Rebbe Rashab in our minds, either through personal memories or based on a picture that is presently available. The very image of his holy countenance is enough to inspire love and awe of Heaven and the like, in accordance with the manner in which he conducted himself. This will encourage us to follow his ways and implement his instructions.
