“Erev Halloween” Shabbat Service | Program: “Dybbuks, Demons and Other Dangerous Spirits in Jewish Culture”

Or Emet’s Rabbi Eva Cohen will lead a Shabbat service followed by a program focused on dybbuks, demons and other dangerous spirits in Jewish culture. A social gathering will follow the program.

The Witch of Endor, Lilith, Ashmedai, “The Dybbuk”: From ancient to modern times, Jews have told stories about demons, dybbuks and other dangerous spirits that disturb humans. How has Jewish culture been shaped by these stories, and what do these stories reveal about our fears and anxieties? 

This night-before-Halloween talk will explore a wide range of hair-raising texts and artifacts — from the Talmud to modern Jewish literature to incantation bowls and amulets. Come prepared to be (at least a little bit) scared!

Cohen received rabbinic ordination from the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism in 2024. She also holds an M.A. in Classical and Near Eastern Studies from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In addition to being Or Emet’s first rabbi, she is the first Humanistic rabbi in Minnesota.

Those unable to attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.

We continue to collect empty pill bottles and personal care items for clients at Listening House, a St. Paul drop-in center. Donations are gratefully accepted at all Shabbat and Sunday programs.

Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.

For more information about Or Emet, visit oremet.org or email .