So What if it IS Halloween


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Though many Jewish children go trick-or-treating on Halloween, this practice is considered by many orthodox and Messianic Jews, as well as rabbis, educators, and ministers from across denominational lines, to be a practice not to be encouraged.

Why is this? Halloween is a harmless, fun time for little kids and big kids, right? Hey, not so fast, spooky. The origin of this night of gools, goblins, ghosts, and ghastly sights brings to light a holiday of supposed fun that is steeped in - well, let the Encyclopedia Britannica speak to this:

"Halloween originated with the pagan Celtic festival of Samhain, a day on which the devil was invoked for various divinations. The souls of the dead were supposed to revisit their homes on this day and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about. In the early Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church instituted All Hallow's Eve on October 31 and All Saints Day on November 1 to counteract the occult festival. It did not work. All Hollow's Eve was simply co-opted into the pagan celebration of Samhain."

Rabbi Michael Broyde explains in his timely article whether knocking on doors for Halloween treats is a harmless pastime or an halakhic(Jewish law) prohibition. Whether or not Halloween is permitted to be celebrated by Jews requires that one first explore its origins. In doing so, one comes to the conclusion that Halloween, unlike Thanksgiving, is steeped in religious beliefs that are not in keeping with Judaism, therefore celebrating Halloween with pagan costumes, parties, bobbing for apples etc., is prohibited. If one has the time and inclination to further his knowledge of this aspect of Jewish law, Rabbi Broyde's article is worthwhile. In its conclusion, on the other hand, he deals with whether or not it is appropriate for the Jewish community to hand out candy to those who knock on their doors. The answer is yes, candy may be distributed under the principle of darkhei shalom(the ways of peace)to lessen dislike of the Jewish people and for other lesser reasons. Therefore, it is permissable to hand out candy to costumed children for trick-or-treat night, but not participate otherwise. http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays...

If one considers Jewish values, asking or demanding a treat from a stranger is considered not only dangerous, but rude. Demanding? Sure. If you do not give me a treat, I will give you a trick. "Trick or treat; smell my feet; give me something good to eat, or you will I trick" - a euphemism for harm.

The copyright of the article So What if it IS Halloween in Messianic Judaism is owned by Virginia Marin. Permission to republish So What if it IS Halloween in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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