What Is the Meaning of Sylvester?

In less than two weeks, many Israelis will go out to celebrate Sylvester, the secular New Year. Clubs have begun advertising parties, and many are contemplating how to mark the special day. However, religious Jews often confront the question, "Why not join in?" 

We all seem to know the historical background: Pope Sylvester, who led the Catholic Church from 314-335, was notoriously anti-Jewish. His directives led to numerous pogroms in Christian-held territories. Observant Jews argue it's inappropriate to celebrate a day originally meant to honor a hater of Jews responsible for the deaths of our ancestors. Some even claim it would be akin to marking Hitler's birthday in future decades.
Not everyone sees this comparison. "What's the big deal?" they ask. "Sylvester is irrelevant to us. We're celebrating the start of the new civil year. If there's a reason to party, why not?" 
Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger reminds us of the many atrocities committed against Jews by prominent Christian figures throughout history, including blood libels, Crusades, and the Inquisition. He states, "Surely a Jew with the slightest conscience wouldn't celebrate the holiday of those who slaughtered his forebears." 

"According to Kabbalah, anything that derives from the 'klipah' (impurity) — once you give it a foothold or acknowledgment, it clings to you," he explains. "You've allowed evil to gain a footing, as in 'sin crouches at the door.' In contrast, if I have no connection with Christianity, I don't partake in their events or holidays — I maintain my uniqueness and there’s no reason for 'sitra achra' (the other side) to bother me. Celebrating on this specific day has a different significance."

Why focus on this day when other Christian customs are prohibited as well?

"Moreover, the Sages say certain days hold power. Why, for instance, do we celebrate Chanukah at this time? The holiday could have been set on another day. But we bless and say that Hashem performed miracles for our forefathers 'in those days, at this time.' According to the mystics, the same influence recurs every year."

"In contrast, Tisha B'Av is known as a day of misfortune for the Jewish people throughout history. Similarly, a non-Jewish holiday affects the same date historically because it draws from different — problematic by Jewish standards — roots. By endorsing or cooperating with it, regardless of your intention, you get tainted. Enter a place with an unpleasant odor, and it clings to your clothes whether you associate with it or not," Fanger continues. "If I return home after being in a smoky room, my wife immediately asks, 'Did you smoke today?' I reply, 'Of course not, I don’t smoke.' She says, 'But you smell like smoke.' That’s how it sticks to me, irrespective of whether I actually smoked. Spiritually, the implications are significantly heightened."

Further, Rabbi Fanger recounts that Hasidim engage with the birth night of Jesus interestingly. They refer to it as "Nitl Nacht," and refrain from Torah study, choosing only to learn ethics. 
"The holy Baal Shem Tov said that when Jesus emerged into the world, impurity descended as well," Rabbi Fanger explains. "Thus, on his birthday, Hasidim don’t study Torah to prevent the absorption of external forces. They focus on ethics, as per Kabbalah, to limit outside dominion. Celebrating on this night is devoid of spirituality."

Some might argue: these events happened almost 2,000 years ago. Today, there's globalization and interfaith peace. Why maintain such separation?

"I'm all for globalization and have no issue doing business or collaborating with them," concludes Rabbi Fanger. "The Sages say it's like meat and milk — they can each be fine separately, but not together. In Judaism, certain combinations are problematic. Connect two electric wires improperly and you'll cause a short. There are limits. I can respect Christians, help them, and advocate for global peace and interfaith cooperation, but within defined boundaries. When the Torah states prohibitions like not marrying Christians, I adhere to this. Respect them, give them their space, but crossing boundaries is problematic."