Halloween is controversial in many segments of the Jewish community. Halloween originated as a pagan festival, and was later adapted by the Catholic Church as All Hallow’s Eve, preceding All Saints Day on November 1. Because of these roots, many Jews do not consider the holiday appropriate to celebrate; however, others view it simply in modern-day terms as an American fun neighborhood celebration with candy, costumes, and parties. Given that history, the holiday is largely unrecognized in Israel, though in recent years there have been some Halloween celebrations–not door-to-door trick-or-treating for children, but among young people who celebrate in nightclubs, bars, and community centers. Which of the following is a real event from Halloween 2019 in Israel?
A. Halloween Costume Party at Mike’s Place in Tel Aviv, advertising that “Everyone is dressed to kill or be killed so don’t miss it.”
B. Halloween week at Kuli Alma in Tel Aviv, promoted with the description “Why not squeeze the lemon until it’s a skeleton. Than we hang the skeleton and use it as decoration.”
C. Halloween Costume Party @ The Kerem House in Tel Aviv, a center which typically offers Shabbat meals, lectures, and open mics. According to their advertising for the event, “Halloween is a celebration where little kids dress up and get candy, teens dress up, get drunk, and go get candy, and adults dress up, get drunk, and give out candy, funny how things all work out.”
D. A spooky Halloween Party at the Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem. Ads say “Make sure you have a pretty cool costume on because there will be prizes waiting for you. DJ Brother of God will take care of the music.”
E. The Lubavitchers of Bat Yam threw their annual Chabadoween party, noting in the publicity that “Goldenberg Chews will be given out to all. Children can try bobbing for apples, though that is the forbidden fruit and biting it will lead all attendees to be expelled from the party. Awards for the best Yac-Ov’-Lantern.” At the party, there was a tie in the costume contest, with the 300 attendees sharing first place for their identical Rebbe costumes.