Anytime I post Halloween content, I’m flooded with hate mail, telling me that I’m “wrong” and “ungodly” for celebrating such a “bad” holiday. One individual went so far as to claim that I was “inviting demonic possession into my family” because I reposted a picture of a stuffed pepper cut to resemble a Jack ‘o lantern.
Folks, that is absolutely crazy!
Halloween is about candy, pumpkins, face painting, costumes, and family fun. It’s not about Paganism, Satanism, Witchcraft, or mischief. There is a difference between religion and religiosity—I know where the line is. It is NOT wrong for the Jewish community to participate. It is not evil, it is not wicked, it’s just harmless fun.
We have to be careful not to become overly rigid and narrow-minded. That kind of fundamental thinking sucks every bit of joy out of life. It makes people a slave to the Laws, rather than understanding that the Laws are here to help, protect, and guide us.
I grew up celebrating Halloween, within a Jewish home. It never affected me negatively, nor did it ever tempt me to embrace the dark side. Can that happen to people under extreme circumstances? I guess so, but it’s highly unlikely. Most of us recognize Halloween for what it is and stay away from anything that could be bad or dangerous.
Please use common sense. God is good, religion is good, but being a fanatic is not. We need a healthy balance. Most secular celebrations are fine, whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc. It doesn’t make us any less Jewish, it is not a sin, and participating—should you choose to do so—is definitely acceptable.
I loved Halloween 30 years ago and I still love it today. I will keep celebrating because I know in my heart that it’s not immoral in any way. I’m not out in the cemetery at midnight, conjuring spirits; I’m buying a purple lipstick and eating a few Milk Duds. That’s all.
I’m sure most of you will agree with my perspective, but if you don’t think Halloween is right, feel free to state why.
I’ll be honest, compared to me, I consider you a religious fanatic so I was surprised to see that you like Halloween. I guess it depends on the individual. Even though you’re much more religious, I actually like your blog. You are really into the Jewish stuff but not overly preachy and annoying. You seem more willing to accept non religious Jews into your home and as friends than most Jewish bloggers I’ve read. I liked that you don’t hate secular Jews and that you don’t blame them for being unaffiliated. I don’t feel comfortable in any temple I’ve ever been in, but I can read your blog and see stuff that’s familar without being judged.
I really appreciate this comment, because it shows that Jews from every background and observance level can find something of value here. Of course you are welcome! We don’t have to agree on everything. I don’t hate anyone, least of all the secular Jews. I try to offer a wide range of content that will be appealing. I never intend to be preachy, just passionate!
I totally agree! Halloween is what you make it. If you do the fun kids version of the holiday, why not give kids and adults a day to look forward to? I think of it as a way for all people to go back to a fun time in their childhood where anyone can be anything they want for a few hours!
That’s a great perspective, being a kid again at any age. I think we all need that time to cut loose and have fun.
We love Halloween at our house. It is a fun time to dress up and eat candy! No demons and such, just cutesy fun things.
Same here. We love to enjoy the holiday and it’s never about demons for us.
We love Halloween too. I have fond memories of dressing up and trick-or-treating as a kid. I try to give my children the same fun memories. To us it’s a fun holiday….not a dark one.
Exactly, it’s about celebrating, not scary or bad things. Halloween does not have to be made into something it’s not. I consider it to be good, clean fun for families to enjoy together.
I absolutely agree! When I was young, I have fond memories of Halloween and we would attend mass November 1st for All Saints Day and all the kids would exchange candy after.
I agree with you I love the fun things about Halloween. I love seeing the pet costumes and little kids in cute costumes. I saw the cutest little fireman the other day. I also love these stuffed peppers in the picture above and I think they are so clever.
Halloween is definitely one of my faves!
I agree, always good to be open minded.
I really like stuffed peppers.
Great insights. I’m Catholic and I have no problem with Halloween, otherwise referred to as All Hallow’s Eve. Plus kids love it!
I really appreciate this prospective and agree with you. Halloween can be really fun and gets us more ready for those more seriously taken holidays.
I am okay with Halloween as long as Satan is not worshiped or idoled. I loved Halloween as a kid and my family is very religious.
I am 100% against Satan!
I totally agree. The only thing I was interested in as a child on Halloween was how much candy I could get. Nothing more
It’s all about the candy and the costumes for me.
Halloween is what you make of it. I no longer really celebrate only because we dont have little ones, nor do we have trick or treaters. Some do celebrate it as samhain, for others it is harvest festival.