IN PARTS OF THE JEWISH WORLD, there is a Halloween divide. There are those who enjoy dressing up and participating and those who choose not to celebrate this spooky occasion. This year, Halloween falls on a Friday night, Erev Shabbat, which makes the “trick or treif” debate that much tougher for families to navigate.
TRICK OR TREIF
Some Jewish parents take issue with Halloween due to its pagan and Christian roots. On the other hand, other Jewish parents consider the holiday to be secular in modern times. Jewish parenting website Kveller.com explains in its article, “The Jewish Take on Halloween,” whether you decide to celebrate Halloween “comes down to what feels right for you.”
‘CHALLAHWEEN’
With Halloween falling on Erev Shabbat, what’s a pro-Halloween Jew to do? JTA columnist Edmon J. Rodman has decided to infuse his Shabbat with a touch of Halloween.
In his Jewish Forward piece, “Who Needs Halloween When We've Got Shabbat?,” Rodman shares his story of being inspired by a Berkeley, CA community event, called “Challahween Kabbalat Shabbat” and, subsequently, venturing inside a Halloween costume shop.
“Though a Halloween warehouse will never be confused with a Judaica store,” Rodman writes, “I was surprised by the number of items that with a little imagination suggested ways to remember (zachor) Shabbat on Halloween, and even to keep it (shamor).” He adds, “Could I use the opportunity to dress up as someone more shul-ish than ghoulish?”
Your family, like Rodman, can find ways of infusing a bit of Halloween into your Shabbat celebration. Here are several ideas:
- MONSTER COOKIES — MyJewishLearning.com contributor Shannon Sarna offers a Halloween cookie recipe that is “equal parts fun for kids and delicious for adults.”
- CHALLAHWEEN KABBALAT SHABBAT — This Berkeley, CA event may a bit too far for many (OK, most) families, but check to see whether there is a local event planned in your community.
- MEET A LITERARY MONSTER — Halloween isn’t the only way to explore the eerie side of the imagination. The PJ Library blogpost, “Halloween Special: The Monsters & Mythical Creatures of Eric Kimmel” will introduce your family to a few of our favorite monsters.
- PUMPKIN SPICE CHALLAH — There is no shortage of Halloween- or autumn-inspired challah recipes, like this one from MyJewishLearning.com. Give your “Challahween” a representational taste.
No matter what balance your family chooses to strike in celebrating Shabbat and Halloween, the most important thing to remember is respect. Whether it’s just Halloween, exclusively Shabbat, or some combination of the two, respect the way other Jewish families elect to celebrate.
Enjoy October 31st.
October 29, 2014