Like many assimilated Jewish children, I grew up an all-out, costume-wearing, candy-trading, Halloween-celebrating kid. I didn't know from pagan rituals or the occult – I just wanted to run around my neighborhood in a ballerina costume, crunching through the leaves and acquiring as many Snickers bars (and as few Smarties) as I could fit in a pillow case.
Now, as an adult living in pluralistic New York, I've come across many Jews who did not grow up celebrating the candy ghoulish holiday. Honestly, I find the adamant anti-Halloween sentiment a little bit hard to swallow – as the writer of this article in the j.weekly says, "Not every holiday or happening has to be moral and meaningful, nurturing or nourishing. Occasionally fun is the operative objective."
But instead of waxing defensive over Halloween, I want to hear from you! Are you someone who grew up in a traditional Jewish household – not celebrating Halloween – who now trick-or-treats like a fiend? Did you grow up carving pumpkins, but now think the holiday smacks of dangerous paganism? Are you newly religious (or newly not) and trying to figure out how to explain your thoughts on Halloween to your kids?
Let's hear it – trick – or – treat.