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Halachic issues around a secular holiday have been discussed here in relation to Thanksgiving, but what about July 4th (Independence Day in the United States)?

Are there any issues with performing any of the recognized celebrations:

  • Making a picnic or BBQ for the purposes of marking that day
  • Attending a parade in honor of July 4th
  • Watching or igniting (in states where the latter is legal) fireworks
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Yishai
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  • Related: http://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/17283/jewish-views-on-patriotism-nationalism – Yishai Jul 07 '14 at 15:35
  • The Journal of Halacha article that discussed Thanksgiving also discussed July 4th ....I'll see if I can track it down – MTL Jul 07 '14 at 15:39
  • Should this be tagged [tag:current-events] ? :P – MTL Jul 07 '14 at 15:40
  • Perhaps it matters if you are in the US or not. – Double AA Jul 07 '14 at 15:57
  • July 4th passed. I beg anyone that answers, don't take away my 4th of July hot dogs ;-) Seriously, how would the questions you raise be any different from how Israelis celebrate Yom Ha'atzma'ut? (Except that you don't celebrate that holiday on July 4) – DanF Jul 07 '14 at 16:56
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    @DanF Because July 4th has much less to do with Judaism. – Double AA Jul 07 '14 at 17:32
  • Lighting fireworks should be OK providing that you do so safely. Unless you're professional, I think it's better to watch. Barbeques - OK, as long as you invite others, (remember to include me next year :-) and make shish kebabs and / or corn. Parades? Can't say - I've never seen any for July 4. It is OK to swim and sing "Happy Birthday, America" in the pool. – DanF Jul 07 '14 at 20:25

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