Do Jews Celebrate Halloween?

Image by iStock
Do Jews celebrate Halloween? It depends on which Jew you ask.
Our executive editor Dan Friedman is of the opinion that All Jews Should Hate Halloween — And So Should Everybody Else. Others take a more lax approach, including Rabbi Irving Greenberg, who discouraged his own children from trick-or-treating but left out treats for the neighbors, telling Moment Magazine, “If a Jewish child wants to go trick-or-treating for social reasons, it’s not a big deal.”
So how do you, our dear readers, feel about the holiday? Do you delight in any chance to dress up and indulge in treats? Do you make picking out costumes and trick-or-treating a family affair? Do you sit this one out, opting to save your costume ideas for Purim? Or are you just against Halloween in general?
Let us know your thoughts:
Halloween is fast approaching! Are you celebrating or sitting this secular holiday out? ?
— The Forward (@jdforward) October 8, 2018
Have more to say? Leave a comment or send us an email.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
