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Many Americans living in Israel must still have fond memories of that ‘pagan’ festival known to many as Halloween. Originating in Medieval England and Europe, when belief in witchcraft, hobgoblins, and sorcery was the mode, the festival, in which people dress up in strange and often scary costumes, hollow out pumpkins into smiling ‘jack-o-lanterns’, and go around the neighborhood ‘trick or treating’ for sweets and other goodies, is something many of us “Anglos” did when we were young back in our countries of origin. Israelis have never caught on to this idea, although the festival of Purim has some similarities, in which people also dress up in costumes, go to parties, and make loud noises against a devil-like character known as Haman.
Belief in the underworld and in witchcraft is practiced here to some extent, especially by young kids who really have no idea what they are getting themselves involved in; often with disastrous results. Even exorcism against dibbuks and other demons has been practiced in Judaism throughout the ages, although these practices done less in today’s modern world. The fun side of Halloween is something that many people who grew up in countries like America consider as normal to them as eating apple and pumpkin pie. While those large, orange members of the squash family are not found in Israel, a close cousin, the dlaat is readily available here; and those craving real pumpkin pie can easily satisfy their craving by using dlaat pulp instead of pumpkin. Even the American and English version of this ‘witch’s festival’ is not thought of the same anymore; and parents have to be careful when their kids go out ‘treating’ due to some unscrupulous people giving the kids more than what they bargained for; with sometimes real poisoned apples right out of a Snow White tale.
Having this tradition as part of my background in America, my children were able to take part in it as well when we lived briefly in the U.S. in the early 1990’s. Going around the neighborhood with them in suburban Atlanta brought back memories when I used to go out with my friends and try to fill up a pillow case with all kind of stuff that my mom had to sort out on my behalf afterwards. We used pillowcases simply because they were stronger and held more stuff. We also used to do a few ‘tricks’ as well; especially against neighbors who were disliked, including putting dog poop in a paper bag on someone’s porch, lighting it, and then ringing their doorbell. You can imagine what happened when the person tried to stamp out the fire! Throwing eggs and other stuff on doors and windows of houses was great fun as well.
Although this holiday may never really catch on here, some people, including Israelis who lived for a time in America, may throw a Halloween party, with all the imagination they can conjure up for decorations, costumes, and party food and drinks. There are enough problems here and plenty of dibbuks around (some say one just became a government minister) to come to the conclusion that this fall festival occurring at the end of October, is best left to the Americans and the Brits.
3 Comments
Very interesting! I was screamed at by an Aussie friend about her hatred of the holiday, not because of the holoiday itself, but because of Trick-or-Treating. She was upset that what was an AMERICAN (Though I say it’s really a NORTH American tradition) has invaded Australia. Le sigh…
Ha! Very good post! I posted on the fact that many Jews and Israelis simply discount Halloween as an “evil pagan ritual”. Well, for us in the U.S., I think it’s become just as American as Thanksgiving. It’s not so much about Devil worship and evil - it’s about candy and getting to know your neighbors through trick or treating.
I took my daughter trick or treating last night. I’m Jewish. So kill me.
Great post!
He left out ‘bobbing’ for apples, which I did at
Halloween parties. Try to pick up an apple floating in
a tub of water with your teeth! It’s great fun!
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