Jews and Halloween
The relationship between Jews and Halloween is mixed. Halloween has Christian and Pagan roots, so opinions vary. In Western countries, many Jews celebrate Halloween as a secular holiday, while others do not for religious or cultural reasons. Orthodox Jews usually do not celebrate, but Reform and other liberal Jewish groups may.
Purim, another holiday with costumes, is often compared to Halloween. For many American Jews, Halloween is seen as harmless fun and is treated like a secular holiday, similar to Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July. Some candy given on Halloween is not kosher, but many popular candies are kosher-certified.
Halloween can be difficult for some Jews who keep kosher or who are targeted for antisemitic harassment, especially visibly Jewish people.
Religious guidance also varies. Many halakhic authorities say Halloween is not permitted because it originates in non-Jewish religious customs. Some Modern Orthodox Jews may allow small allowances, like eating kosher candy or visiting a haunted house, but many do not participate. Some Orthodox leaders discourage Halloween because of its non-Jewish origins. Reform Judaism emphasizes informed choice and generally says there is no religious reason not to celebrate if a Jew chooses to.
Purim is sometimes called the “Jewish Halloween” because of costumes, but the holidays have important differences. Purim costumes often depict Biblical figures and the customs of Purim differ from Halloween. Halloween and Sukkot also both happen in fall, but Sukkot is a celebration of life.
Some people note parallels between Yizkor prayers (recited four times a year) and Allhallowtide in Christianity, though the connections are broad and the holidays are very different.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 18:29 (CET).