Why should/shouldn't Jews Celebrate Valentine's Day (religious)

[Chava61]

I was reading various articles that I found via Google on this topic. I found out that it is false that St. Valentine was antisemitic. But it is true that there was a pogrom against Jews in 1639 on Valentine's Day. So how do you feel about this romanticized holiday as a Jew?

[Rachel NewYork]

I don't know about any specific pogram against the Jews occurring on Valentine's Day in 1639 but, sadly, one can probably find some record of pogroms having occurred on many various days in history.

And then there was America's St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which had nothing to do with pogroms but was nevertheless a black mark on the day of love. The only Jewish connection I could find with that event was the name of Jewish mobster Harry Keywell, who was a suspect in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Keywell had an alibi for that day, though. He was a member of the notorious Purple Gang, said to have been the only Jewish gang to ever dominate the underworld in a major American city.

Getting back to Valentine's Day and whether we Jews can celebrate it with a clear conscience... Here is a link to a pertinent article on the subject from My Jewish Learning:

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/art...y-and-judaism/

The article cites the opinion of Rabbi Moshe Isserles from the 16th century. The article concludes with: "While it does not represent every opinion in Jewish literature, the source from the Rama does provide the most salient criteria for making this decision according to Jewish law and it is the basis upon which many rabbis allow Jewish participation in Valentine’s Day rituals."

For myself, I just avoid using the word "Saint" when referring to any Valentine's Day sentimentality in which I participate. And I NEVER turn down a gift of chocolate, whatever the day.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by Rachel NewYork

. . . And I NEVER turn down a gift of chocolate, whatever the day.

Not even Yom Kippur?

[Rachel NewYork]

Originally Posted by suzco

Not even Yom Kippur?

Well, I wouldn't eat it on Yom Kippur, of course. But offer me some and I'll snatch it up and stash it in my fridge for afterwards!

[Gilah G.]

taught in a Jewish preschool for 14 years. We were cautious to avoid any thing related to St. Valentine on Feb 14th.
We disguised it as "friendship" day.
I've now started a new job at a non-religious private school.
Monday was a glorious day watching the little ones exchange Valentine cards, gifts, and candy as a symbol of Love and caring.

[Rachel NewYork]

Originally Posted by Gilah G.

taught in a Jewish preschool for 14 years. We were cautious to avoid any thing related to St. Valentine on Feb 14th.
We disguised it as "friendship" day.
I've now started a new job at a non-religious private school.
Monday was a glorious day watching the little ones exchange Valentine cards, gifts, and candy as a symbol of Love and caring.

That sounds about right for a Jewish preschool, where the emphasis would naturally be on Jewish practices and Jewish pride.

I imagine the kids were introduced to the holiday of Tu B'Av instead? There are lots of friendship activities that can be geared for children that are associated with that day. And there's a love-theme running through that day for the adults, as well!

[Chava61]

Originally Posted by Rachel NewYork

I imagine the kids were introduced to the holiday of Tu B'Av instead? There are lots of friendship activities that can be geared for children that are associated with that day. And there's a love-theme running through that day for the adults, as well!

Since Tu B'Av is during the summer holiday school vacation and it is a very minor holiday, I doubt it would mentioned to young children in Hebrew school.

[VA Yankee]

I find Valentines day to be like Halloween just an Americanized holiday to sell something, eat candy and have fun any connection to some medieval history really seems lost....