Hey there! With Halloween right around the corner, you might be seeing your friends getting excited about costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. Maybe you’re even wondering, “Should I join in?” or “What’s the big deal about Halloween for Jewish teens?” Well, let’s break it down together.
A Look at Halloween’s Roots
First, it’s important to understand where Halloween comes from. Halloween has its origins in ancient Celtic festivals, particularly the festival of Samhain, where people believed that spirits of the dead returned to earth. Over time, this pagan celebration merged with Christian traditions, like All Saints’ Day. While today it’s mostly about fun and candy, the holiday is still deeply connected to non-Jewish religious and cultural practices.
As Jews, we have our own rich history and heritage to celebrate, and we’re asked to be mindful of what we engage in from other cultures. Torah values guide us to live a life focused on Kedusha (holiness) and to separate ourselves from customs that don’t align with that.
Halloween and Jewish Values
Judaism is full of holidays that are steeped in meaning, each one offering us the chance to connect to something bigger than ourselves—whether it’s Yom Kippur for reflection and atonement or Purim for joy and celebrating Jewish resilience. When we look at Halloween, we see a holiday that doesn’t come from Jewish roots and doesn’t really offer the same opportunity to elevate ourselves spiritually.
In fact, many of the symbols and customs of Halloween, like skeletons, ghosts, and witches, are pretty far from what we strive for in Judaism. Rather than focusing on death, fear, and the supernatural, Judaism encourages us to celebrate life, light, and the beauty of the world Hashem (God) has given us.
Finding Our Own Fun
It’s totally normal to feel a little FOMO when you see your friends planning their Halloween activities. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to miss out on fun! Judaism gives us so many ways to have a great time with a purpose.
For example, Purim is the perfect time to get creative with costumes—except, instead of focusing on the scary, we get to celebrate survival and bravery! Plus, there’s always delicious food and a focus on giving to others (matanot l’evyonim).
And don’t forget about Sukkot, where we build sukkahs, eat under the stars, and celebrate the harvest. Or even Hanukkah, with its lights, gifts, and the victory of light over darkness—what’s more inspiring than that?
Living with Jewish Pride
At the end of the day, being Jewish means carrying a sense of pride in who we are and the traditions that make us unique. While it’s tempting to get swept up in what everyone else is doing, it’s powerful to stand by what we believe in. Our holidays, like Shabbat and the Jewish festivals, give us more than just fun—they give us a deep connection to our history, community, and Hashem.
So, this Halloween, instead of feeling left out, think about how you can celebrate your Jewish identity in your own special way. Maybe organize a fun Shabbat dinner with friends, plan ahead for a Purim costume party, or even learn more about a Jewish holiday you haven’t explored before.
You don’t need Halloween to have a good time—Judaism offers us endless opportunities to find meaning, joy, and fun in ways that are totally in line with who we are.
Final Thought
While everyone’s running around collecting candy and donning spooky costumes, remember that being Jewish means being part of something so much greater. Our heritage is filled with opportunities for joy, celebration, and living with purpose. And that’s something worth holding on to.
Stay proud. Stay connected. And stay you!
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