Anonymous

Complimenting Non-Jews: Difference between revisions

From Halachipedia
no edit summary
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 16: Line 16:
#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 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 20a</ref>
#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 allow praising a non-Jew with above normal abilities.<ref>Shut Divrei Yatziv 10:43</ref>
#Some allow praising a non-Jew with above normal abilities.<ref>Shut Divrei Yatziv 10:43</ref>