ט׳ מרחשון ה׳תשפ״ו | October 31, 2025
Distributing Treats to Non-Jews on Shabbos
Ask the Rov: Can one give candy to non-Jewish kids when their holiday falls on Friday night? Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin responds.
By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah
Although Halloween today is primarily viewed as a secular, non-religious holiday, it is rooted in Avoda Zara, with its pagan aspects still clearly recognizable. Its customs, which don’t have rational explanations, also involve the prohibitions of Darkei Emori and Chukos Hagoyim.1 Yet, if not giving candy to those requesting may lead to resentment (eiva), there may be room to permit giving candy to preserve darkei shalom.
What about on Shabbos? Although it’s rabbinically prohibited to trouble oneself on Shabbos to feed animals for which one isn’t responsible, one may generally provide food for non-Jews. Since it is mandated by darkei shalom, it’s considered the Jew’s responsibility.2
One may not tell the non-Jew to take the food outside, but one may put the food down, knowing that the non-Jew will carry it outside for his own benefit.3 Some prohibit placing it in the non-Jew’s hand, since you are beginning the act of carrying, which begins with the akirah (lifting) in the reshus hayachid. While the Mishna Berura is lenient, the Alter Rebbe cautions against it. Yet, if the non-Jew takes it from the Jew’s hand, it is permissible, since in this case, it is the non- Jew who is doing the act.4
If it’s too much food to be finished in one sitting, people may think the non-Jew was told to carry it out (maris ayin).5 But with a small amount that can be eaten on the spot, it is allowed even if the non-Jew will definitely take it outside, since people will assume that is was choice.6
If one is compelled to give candy, it is advised to put out a basket of candy in a place where the non-Jewish children can take from and potentially eat it there.
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COMMENTS
Why not just close your porch lights and not open your door? Why even give out anything to take part in this goyishe nonsense? (Even if you do happen to open your door just say trick instead of treat to ward them off)
Then if they ask for a treat just say ” don’t have any sorry”!
Can you address how the issur of לא תחנם would apply here?
Some “secular” Jews also involve themselves with this, must one be concerned about this?
BH you’ve never been egged by people who realize you’re home that night and not answering.
BH, your home was never vandalized by these people.
BH you or your kids have never been screamed at by those going out and not receiving anything.
BH you are too young or innocent to know of all these things. Better to assume that if such a question is being asked, it’s not so pashut that Yidden are trying to flatter goyim or just want to participate in such a thing. It’s more likely they simply care to keep the peace between the non Jews and have a peaceful Shabbos/ whatever night it is.