There’s Enough to be Scared of Without Halloween

November 1, 2006 - 8:38 AM by

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Speculation on why Halloween has never quite caught on around these parts at One Jerusalem., While the author is correct in pointing out that Israeli-style squash is a fine substitute for pumpkin when you are making pie — you can’t really carve a scary face in a squash:

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…..

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.

Stephanie views the fact that she almost completely forgot it was Halloween as a sign of creeping assimiliation into Israeli society…

Tags: • Category: Holidays 

Comments

One Comment on There’s Enough to be Scared of Without Halloween

  1. David on Thu, Nov 2nd 2006 4:33 AM

    2. It is not a British holiday and is not celebrated there.

    November is the time for Guy Faux in Britain and places such as Australia and South Africa, and in my experience it is far more enjoyable than Halloween.

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