Thursday, October 29, 2015

16 Cheshvan 5776

 

Dear Parents,

 

As this Saturday night (October 31) is Halloween, we want to remind our families about Ramaz's position on the holiday.

 

Halloween began as a Celtic pagan festival and was later adapted by Christians as the eve of All Saints (Hallows) Day. In addition, Halloween was a particularly odious night for the Jews of Europe, who experienced it as an evening of escalated anti-Semitism and pogroms.

 

These religious and anti-Semitic associations have led Jews to refrain from participating in Halloween activities, even though, like many American religious observances (e.g., Christmas), Halloween has taken on a distinctively secular and commercial tone in contemporary society.

 

Ramaz has always supported the stance of refraining from celebrating Halloween, while recognizing and respecting the need for parents to make decisions for their families regarding personal home practice. We believe costumes and candy are more appropriately saved for Purim. 

  

Please help us convey our message to your sons and daughters, especially since Halloween falls out this year on a Saturday night. As the beauty and sanctity of Shabbat inspires us, we should hold fast to our traditions and cherish our core values.  

 

As always, we thank you for your support and are available if you have any questions.

 

Wishing you a Shabbat shalom,

 

Rabbi Eric Grossman
Head of School

Mr. Ira Miller
Dean, Upper School

Morah Smadar Seinfeld
Head of Middle School

Rabbi Tavi Koslowe