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Complimenting Non-Jews: Difference between revisions
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==Source== | ==Source== | ||
#One is forbidden to give a compliment to a non-Jew or to his actions.<ref>Avoda Zara 20b quoting Devarim 7:2. Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14</ref> | #One is forbidden to give a compliment to a non-Jew or to his actions.<ref>Avoda Zara 20b quoting Devarim 7:2. Rambam Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 10:4. Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14</ref> One is forbidden to bless a non-Jew.<ref>Magen Avraham O.C. 189:1 says that when there is a non-Jew in the house, one must change the text of the Harachaman in Birkat HaMazon to kulanu yachad benay bris. The Taz says to say kulanu benay bris yachad</ref> | ||
##Some explain that this by all non-Jews except for a ''ger toshav''.<ref>Tosfos Avoda Zara 20a s.v. d'amar. Beis Yosef C.M. 249. Shach Y.D. 151:18. | ##Some explain that this by all non-Jews except for a ''ger toshav''.<ref>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</ref> | 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</ref> | ||
##Others explain that this only applies to idolaters<ref>Meiri Avoda Zara 20a and Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426</ref> | ##Others explain that this only applies to idolaters<ref>Meiri Avoda Zara 20a, Shut HaRashba 1:8, and Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426</ref> | ||
##Others explain that this only applied to the seven nations that inhabited the land of Israel in the days of Yehoshua.<ref>Torah Temimah in Devarim 7:2</ref> | ##Others explain that this only applied to the seven nations that inhabited the land of Israel in the days of Yehoshua.<ref>Torah Temimah in Devarim 7:2</ref> | ||
#The prohibition is about the complimenting, not about the non-Jew benefiting. Therefore, it applies even if the non-Jew does not receive benefit.<ref>Avoda Berura Avoda Zara 20</ref> | |||
==Exceptions== | ==Exceptions== | ||
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#It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a form of praise of God.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14. Shut Btzel HaChochma 1:46</ref> | #It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a form of praise of God.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 151:14. Shut Btzel HaChochma 1:46</ref> | ||
#It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a springboard to praising a Jew.<ref>Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426</ref> | #It is permissible to praise a non-Jew as a springboard to praising a Jew.<ref>Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426</ref> | ||
#One may praise a non-Jew for good deeds he did for a Jew.<ref>Sefer Chasidim 746 uses this to explain how we can say Charvona Zachur LaTov on Purim after the Megillah reading</ref> One may also pray for such a person.<ref>Sefer HaChasidim 790</ref> | |||
#One may pray and say kaddish for a non Jewish parent.<ref>Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Daas 6:60)</ref> | #One may pray and say kaddish for a non Jewish parent.<ref>Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Daas 6:60)</ref> | ||
#Some allow praising the wisdom of a non-Jew.<ref>Shut Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 4:197</ref> | #Some allow praising the wisdom of a non-Jew.<ref>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."</ref> | ||
#Some allow praising a non-Jew if there is no personal connection.<ref>Shut Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 4:197</ref> | #Some allow praising a non-Jew if there is no personal connection.<ref>Shut Teshuvos V'Hanhagos 4:197</ref> | ||
#Some allow praising a non-Jew after he dies.<ref>Avoda Berurah Avoda Zara | #Some allow praising a non-Jew after he dies.<ref>Avoda Berurah Avoda Zara 20 as we no longer have to worry about becoming to involved with the non-Jew.</ref> | ||
#Some | #Some only prohibit praising a non-Jew with above normal abilities.<ref>Shut Divrei Yatziv 10:43</ref> | ||
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
