Socializing with Non-Jews

From Halachipedia

Social Drinking With Non-Jews

  1. In social situations with non-Jews, Sephardim may not drink any beer.[1][2] Ashkenazi custom is more lenient and they may drink anything besides date honey beer. [3] However, there are a wide range of opinions, and many still adopt a strict approach in these situations.[4]
  2. Having tea or coffee in a non-Jewish store with non-Jews is allowed, but many advise against this practice.[4] See page on Marit Ayin for relevant halachot in these situations.

Attending Parties With Non-Jews

  1. One is not allowed to drink any alcohol or eat any food at a non-Jewish party provided that there are more non-Jews and Jews at the party.[5][6] The prohibition also applies to a case where there are an equal amount of Jews and non-Jews.[7]
  2. At a party where there are more Jews than non-Jews, the prohibitions do not apply.[5]
  3. DISCUSS KULAH

Attending Non-Jewish Weddings

  1. One is generally forbidden from eating and drinking at a non-Jewish wedding.[8] This prohibition still applies even if one brings their own food.[9]
  2. Some say that eating and drinking at the wedding of a Muslim is allowed.[10] Others argue that attending the wedding of any non-Jew, even if the non-Jew is a Muslim, is forbidden.[11]
  3. (DISCUSS THE CHUMRA OF NOT ENDING AND THE KULLAH MISHUM EIVA. NOT FINISHED PAGE)

Attending Business Holiday Parties

Links

  1. Shiur from Rav Yoni Levin

Sources

  1. Shulchan Aruch 114:1, Kaf HaChaim 114:11
  2. Avoda Zara 31b, The Gemara discusses that the issue of drinking with non-Jews is due to the fact that this may lead to intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews.
  3. Rama Yoreh Deah 114:1
  4. 4.0 4.1 Chelkat Binyamin 114:22
  5. 5.0 5.1 Rambam Ma'achalot Asurot 17:9-10
  6. Gemara Avoda Zara 8a
  7. Pri Chadash 114:1
  8. Avoda Zara 8a, The gemara explains that the issue of eating and drinking at the wedding of a non-Jew is that one will come to do Avoda Zara.
  9. Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 152:1
  10. Yabia Omer Section 10, Yoreh Deah 13, Rav Ovadia argues that since Muslims are not idol worshipers the prohibition of eating and drinking at a non-Jewish wedding does not apply to Muslim weddings.
  11. Ben Yisrael Lenachri pg. 398, According to this view, the issue of eating and drinking at the wedding of a non-Jew is that it will lead to intermarriage. Therefore, the prohibition of attending the wedding of a non-Jew applies to the wedding of a muslim as intermarriage is a problem with any non-Jew.