Kalenda
Kalenda (also known as Nitl, Nittle, Nitel, Nittel, Nitle) celebrated by Edom's Head, starts with Nittel Nacht following the original time of fasting (Ramadan/Tevet/December in the Gregorian Calendar) which was corrupted into "Saturnalia" (Dec 17th) and the "Feast of Fools". After its conclusion the 8 day Eid of Kalenda (laylat ulQadr) described in the Talmud began following the advent period of solemnity and fasting of the Tenth Moon which was established by Adam and is still observed correctly by the children of Noah. The original Kalenda (Noachite New Year) celebration following immediately on from Saturnalia began with the vigil on the eve of Dec 25th (originally just after the winter solstice) and lasted until Jan 1st. The fact that it is still remembered today by high-church Christians is a still lasting testimony to the fact that Christianity originated in a once legitimate Noachite suborder of Judasim. The Christmas Proclamation of "Kalenda" [1] otherwise mentioned only in the Talmud and Mishna (Avodah Zara 8a), is announced at the conclusion of the prayer vigil held just before midnight mass at Christmas Eve. It may also be included in the Midnight mass itself immediately before the Gloria.
Jews are not to engage in business with Noahides on the Octave (Halidah) itself but are permitted to send givlfts on the day before (Nitlekatan) or after (Nitlegadol).
- http://www.chazonhatorah.org/chapter-8-christmas-and-new-years-the-kabbalah-koan-of-adam-s-lost-yom-tov.htm
- http://www.halakhah.com/zarah/zarah_8.html
- http://www.come-and-hear.com/zarah/zarah_8.html
- http://rchaimqoton.blogspot.com/2005/12/winters-darkness.html
- http://www.newlondon.org.uk/files/Dec06.pdf
- http://100777.com/node/642
- http://www.thejc.com/judaism/judaism-features/did-adam-have-a-taste-mince-pies
- https://www.mayimachronim.com/should-jews-celebrate-new-years/#:~:text=Early%20Christian%20leaders%20gave%20various,to%20read%20more%20about%20this.)
Judaic Traditions of the Winter Season
The following Halakhic (Jewish law) and folk traditions relate to the winter season, particularly the night before Kalenda and the time when Polarisnis at its highest point in the sky. These customs reflect spiritual separation, theological polemic, and pragmatic self-preservation developed by Jewish communities.
Nittel Nacht Customs
- Nittel Nacht** (ניטל נאַכט) refers to the set of customs observed on December 24 and January 6, either side of thr 12 days of Xmas.
| Custom/Tradition | Explanation and Origin |
|---|---|
| Bittul Torah | The most prominent custom is refraining from studying Torah from sunset until midnight.
|
| Alternative Activities | To pass the time without engaging in holy study, Jews engaged in mundane activities like **playing chess**, **playing cards**, and in some Hasidic communities, **sewing**. Even comical quizzes on guessing the correct halakhah for the time in games called Nittel Hilchos. |
| Avoidance of Marital Relations | Abstaining from sexual relations was a custom, sometimes accompanied by the closing of the mikveh (ritual bath). This was based on the mystical belief that a child conceived on this night would be influenced by the negative spiritual forces associated with the **Teli**. For this reason the night before Kalenda is also called Bez Gebore Nakht meaning no impregnation night. |
| Customs of Physical Avoidance | This includes **avoiding the outhouse/latrine alone**, based on a folk belief (attested to by apostates) that the soul of the **Talui** would wander the latrines of the world as punishment. |
| Food Customs | Eating **Garlic Food** (popularly Chinese) was also a custom to ward off negative spirits. |
| Studying After Midnight | The **Chatam Sofer**, recommended resuming Torah study immediately **after midnight**, once the period of spiritual danger was believed to have passed. |
| Reading Maʿaseh Talui | Some communities read either Hebrew Matityahu or the **Maʿaseh Talui**, a medieval Jewish narrative that presents the Judaic account of the **Talui** and the origins of Christianity or Pavlut as it is called in the text. |
Winter Solstice and Roman Saturnalia
Judaic traditions interact with the winter season through the natural calendar and by reacting to surrounding pagan and Christian holidays.
The Hanukkah and Solstice Connection
- **Solstice Festival:** Scholars suggest the timing of Hanukkah on the **25th of Kislev** may have been influenced by its proximity to the winter solstice—the shortest days of the year—with the eight days of candle-lighting symbolizing the **return and renewal of light**.
- **Talmudic Origin of Solstice Festivals:** The **Talmud (Avodah Zarah 8a)** attributes the origin of solstice festivals (like the Roman **Saturnalia**) to **Adam HaRishon** (the first man). He saw the days shortening after his sin and, fearing the world's destruction, **fasted for eight days** until the solstice, subsequently celebrating the lengthening of the days for eight days.
Halakhah of the Tekufah
- **Mayim Tekufah Custom:** The strict custom (*Halakhah le-Chumra*) is that **water should not be consumed if it was sitting in a container during the exact moment of Tekufat Tevet** (the Winter Solstice). This is due to an ancient belief that the water may be physically or spiritually contaminated by an the Teli's influence.
Context of Saturnalia
- **Period of Danger:** Jewish communities viewed the time of the Roman **Saturnalia** (and the later holiday season, December 17-24) with fear. It was historically a period where Jews were subjected to anti-Semitic abuse, public mockery, and violence, including **forced parades of Rabbis** in Rome.
- **Nittel Nacht as a Response:** The customs of Nittel Nacht (staying indoors, avoiding Torah) developed as a direct Jewish **anti-response** to the surrounding Gentile winter festivals, creating a ritualistic form of spiritual and physical Chukot HaGoyim (חוקות הגויים) and Moreshet (מורשת).
Muhammedan Calendar
There are some similarities between the old Muhammedan Calendar and Umar's Hijri Calendar visible even today despite some position changes. For example the month names: Sivan/Ṣafar (Gemini), Elul/alŪlā (Virgo), Cheshvan/Shaʿbān, and Shevat/Shawwāl. Also, the major Hajj of the year is in the originally spring month of Dhū al-Ḥijja exactly like Passover in Aviv (spring). This is followed by the fasting of Iyyar/Muḥarram (Taurus) commemorating the deliverance from Egypt. Moreover, the 7th month is still sacred in both. Finally, Ramadan corresponds to the Gregorian Calendar's month of December of course.
- http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/calendar.htm
- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chronology-Prophetic-Events-Shaikh-Fazlur/dp/1842000349
It is therefore also known that Dhū al-Ḥijja corresponds to what is now March in the Gregorian Calendar, Muḥarram corresponds to April in the Gregorian Calendar, Ṣafar corresponds to May in the Gregorian Calendar, and the 7th month corresponds to September in the Gregorian Calendar.