Complimenting Non-Jews

From Halachipedia

Source

  1. One is forbidden to give a compliment to a non-Jew or to his actions.[1]
    1. Some explain that this by all non-Jews except for a ger toshav.[2]
    2. Others explain that this only applies to idolaters[3]
    3. Others explain that this only applied to the seven nations that inhabited the land of Israel in the days of Yehoshua.[4]

Exceptions

  1. If you may receive benefit in return from the non-Jew, it is permissible to give a compliment.[5]
  2. It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a form of praise of God.[6]
  3. It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a springboard to praising a Jew.[7]
  4. One may pray and say kaddish for a non Jewish parent.[8]
  5. Some allow praising the wisdom of a non-Jew.[9]
  6. Some allow praising a non-Jew if there is no personal connection.[10]
  7. Some allow praising a non-Jew after he dies.[11]
  8. Some allow praising a non-Jew with above normal abilities.[12]

Links

  1. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz - Lo Sechaneim - Gifts and Compliments to Gentiles
  2. Rabbi Chaim Goldberg - Bein Yisroel L'Nochri Siman 28 page 394

Sources

  1. ↑ Avoda Zara 20b quoting Devarim 7:2. Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14
  2. ↑ Tosfos Avoda Zara 20a s.v. d'amar. Beis Yosef C.M. 249. Shach Y.D. 151:18. Sma C.M. 249:2 explains that a ger toshav is a person who accepts the sheva mitzvos bnei noach and we are therefore obligated to provide for him if he doesn't have and are allowed to give him gifts. However, one who doesn't abide by the sheva mitzvos can only be sold to
  3. ↑ Meiri Avoda Zara 20a and Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426
  4. ↑ Torah Temimah in Devarim 7:2
  5. ↑ Taz Y.D. 151:8. Rosh Avoda Zara 1:19 explains that it is not a free gift, but an exchange, similar to a sale
  6. ↑ Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14. Shut Btzel HaChochma 1:46
  7. ↑ Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426
  8. ↑ Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Daas 6:60)
  9. ↑ Shut Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 4:197 bases this on the idea of Medrash Eicha Rabah 2:13 that we should believe that the nations of the world have wisdom. This also explains how the Rambam would compliment Aristotle's wisdom. However, it is always advisable to use the praise as a springboard for the Jews by adding "but not as smart as our sages."
  10. ↑ Shut Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 4:197
  11. ↑ Avoda Berurah Avoda Zara 20a
  12. ↑ Shut Divrei Yatziv 10:43
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