Jewish / Multi-Generational / Earth-Based Spiritual Practices...for Halloween and Beyond

[Rabbi Regina Sandler-Phillips]

Shalom to All:

It's that time of year again. Here's a seasonal resource for Jewish family and youth education:

Zombies, Vampires, and Things That Come Back to Life: A Rabbi's Take on Halloween and Beyond
  
"With a minimal investment of enlightened adult guidance, the youthful fascination with the undead can be channeled toward a healthy, helpful involvement in honoring the actual dead."

And it's not too early to plan ahead! Whether your community maintains a hevra kadisha, is in the process of organizing one, or simply wants to grow in its caring efforts, please consider a modest program (ideally with food!) on or around the 7th of Adar, a date traditionally dedicated to honoring the sacred burial fellowship. 

If your pre-Purim schedule is already packed, consider other traditional dates for focusing on these issues--including Lag ba'Omer, Rosh Hodesh Tammuz (when the famous Prague burial society held its annual banquet), the 15th or 20th of Kislev, and/or (hiding in plain sight) the next High Holy Days.

With many blessings for ALL the seasons of our lives,

Regina

 

Rabbi Regina Sandler-Phillips, MSW, MPH

Executive Director, WAYS OF PEACE Community Resources

 

"In cities of diversity...we organize ourselves and our money...

to sustain the poor...and visit the sick...and bury the dead...and comfort the bereaved...

for these are ways of peace." (Jerusalem Talmud, Tractate Gittin)