The Festival that shall not be named

Before I became a teacher, I had no idea that Halloween could be so controversial.  My first experience with the potential controversy occurred the first year I taught, at a somewhat alternative K-12 school. 

We had a young boy there, in first grade, who was the son of a local Reform rabbi.  When Halloween came around, this little boy was not permitted to take part in the classroom festivities, and ended up spending the afternoon in the office.

At the time, I felt really bad for this little boy.  As well, this was my first exposure to the reality that Halloween just isn't a Jewish holiday.  Since that time, I've learnt a lot more, and I understand things now that I did not then.  You see, some people believe that the act of trick or treating goes contrary to Jewish laws.  This is because Halloween, with its pagan origins, is based on religious beliefs that are foreign to Judaism, and whose beliefs are prohibited to us as Jews.

But then, you see, I live in a (predominantly) secular society, filled with people of many beliefs.  My son goes to a non-denominational preschool where Halloween is celebrated.  Growing up, I always celebrated Halloween (my mother used to make me costumes, which, I admit, I hated at the time).  I want my son to learn about his own culture, but, unlike the little boy that haunts my memory, I don't want him to feel alienated by his peers.  Even Rabbi Phyllis, whose blog is on my personal blogroll, does celebrate Halloween to an extent, albeit trying to keep it low key.

For us, it will always be a balance between our religious and our secular beliefs.  Personally, I like Halloween.  I like dressing up, I like visiting with the neighbours, and I just love seeing the excitement on my kids faces.  I don't want them to miss that.  The magic will be around for such a short time.

And, for added value, in case you didn't see it on my personal blog, have a look at their cuteness:

Comments

[Mac and Cheese]

I'm sure I'd feel differently if I was religous, but can't Halloween be about candy and costumes?

[lisa b]

oh cuteness!
I think Jehova's Witnesses also don't take part. I would guess technically it is against most organised religions core values being derived from the pagan celebrations. Though the dates of our celebrations of events in Jesus' life coincide with pagan celebrations on purpose in order to overshadow the pagan celebrations. That's why I feel sorry for any kid who has to miss out for religious reasons. Don't even get me started on Santa.

[Urban Daddy]

See, now, you've really created quite a stir with this post. LOL. I had no idea people thought this way. Me, for one, hate the holiday, not because I'm Jewish, but because; 1) I hate dressing up 2) I dislike having to knock on strangers doors, be phony fake to them while begging for candy (candy, ugh), and 3) There are always bigger kids wandering the streets smashing pumpkins, stealing candy or trick-or-treating at like 24.
Granted, this year, seeing all the little kiddies and our boys dressed up I may be having a change of heart - that and you didn't make me dress up. Let's not even go to the "decorating" of the house like 7 weeks in advance.