Fluther: What type of dancing would have been done by Jews at ...

What type of dancing would have been done by Jews at the time of the birth of Christ?

Asked by jcgtune (4

) October 26th, 2009
10 responses
“Great Question” (1

)

A local church is re-enacting the Bethlehem scene during the birth of Christ, the 3 kings, etc. One of the scenes is in the Inn before and after the birth. What type of dancing would have been done at this time or would there have been dancing? Would men and women have danced together or would women have even been in the Inn? Any details for historical accuracy would be appreciated.

Follow this question

Send to a friend!

Topics: dance, dancing, dancing at time of Christs birth, historical dance

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

Answers

Response moderated

It would have been a more tribal celebrative form of dance. No way would the men and women have danced together.
But then again, except for a choice few. No one would have seen the Christ as anything but another child being born. So there would have not been as there was not any big celebration of his birth.

CMaz (26303

)“Great Answer” (0

)

the Moshitzle or the Jigstein.

judochop (16119

)“Great Answer” (0

)

I’m sorry, but I have no idea. I suggest that you call the Jewish Studies professor’s receptionist at a college or university close to you, in order to find out the prof’s office hours or email. Then you can call him or her to ask your question during that time period, or just send an email. It’s likely that they will be happy to help.

wildpotato (15224

)“Great Answer” (0

)

I doubt they danced. They don’t believe that Christ was even born, and that he hasn’t been born yet. They believe that Jesus was just a good guy.

troubleinharlem (7991

)“Great Answer” (2

)

The jerk, definitely.

adri027 (1415

)“Great Answer” (1

)

I doubt they danced also. This was just another child born. Even people who believe he was the son of God I would guess did not come to this determnation until years after his birth. But, if you don’t care much about 100% accuracy, I would say circle dances, also called folk dances, men separate from woman. I know them all, but don’t know all of the names. Of course there is the Hora, Mizaloo (no idea how to really spell it, I think it might be Greek), and Mayim is another I can think of.

When I used to go up to the Catskills for the summer we used to do all of the dances, and when I go to Orthodox weddings. My JCC in Boca Raton used to teach folk dancing from what I remember, although I never went. So, try a local JCC maybe, or an Orthodox synogogue may know someone who teaches the steps. Many of these dances are not from the land of Israel I would guess, some from Russia (and countries adjacent) and other parts of Europe. Like I said it probably won’t be accurate for the birth of Jesus, but it will look festive.

JLeslie (65429

)“Great Answer” (1

)

Here is Mayim danced by Asians?? But don’t let that throw you. Mayim is upbeat and and festive. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hmdHoAYD24&feature=related You can probably google or youtube more Jewish dances, folk dance, or circle dances and get some more examples.

JLeslie (65429

)“Great Answer” (0

)