Pumpkin Carving

Various Subjects

Question

Hi Rav is pumpkin carving allowed in Halacha or is this considered pagan and avodah zoroh

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

I am not sure what you mean by pumpkin carving. The first thing that comes to mind is the Halloween custom of carving pumpkins, usually into scary faces. since they don't use the pumpkins as idols and it is only a tradition that they have to "scare away the ghosts" so there is no prohibition on carving them either for yourself or to sell.

Same too many people carve watermelons, carrots and cucumbers into all kinds of fun shapes to make them look more attractive and to add a festive touch to an event.

Allow me to add that carving into meaningful shapes and designs is forbidden on Shabbat.

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