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==Permitted reading on Shabbat==
# It is permitted to look at a synagogue member's list and read from it in order to check whose turn it is to receive the honor of reading the Torah. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.5 </ref>
# It is permitted to read mitzvah announcements on [[Shabbat]], however, it is forbidden to make business mitzvah announcements which include the price of an item. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.8 </ref>.
# It is permitted to read store sign or brand names on [[Shabbat]].  However, those who are strict in this matter shall be blessed. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.11 </ref>.
# It is permitted to read the ingredient list on food products on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.12 </ref>.
# It is permitted to look in a phone book to find a specific name and address on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.13 </ref>
==Learning Secular Subjects on Shabbat==
# According to Sephardim, one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and one may not learn secular subjects such as science. According to Ashkenazim, many are lenient to allow learning secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]] but a pious person should refrain. <Ref>
* Mishna [[Shabbat]] 148b writes that one may not count the number of guests from a list on [[Shabbat]]. Abaye in the Gemara 149a explains that this is a rabbinic restriction so as not to come to read a Shtar Hedyot on [[Shabbat]]. What is a Shtar Hedyot which one may not read on [[Shabbat]]? Rashi 116b s.v. Shtar explains it to be financial calculations or letters. The Rambam (Pirush Mishnayot [[Shabbat]] 23:2) also explains Shtar Hedyot to mean letters and the reason for this is that on [[Shabbat]] one may only read Navi and it’s explanations and not even a book of wisdom and science. Bet Yosef 307:17 quotes the Baal HaMoer (43a s.v. VeHa) who agrees.
* However, the Rashba (149a s.v. VeLeInyan) explains Shtar Hedyot as a business documents. This is also the definition of the Ri quoted in Tosfot 116b d"h "kol sheken" and the Rosh (see there where he writes that reading shtarei hedyotot is a problem of mimtzo cheftecha from Yishayahu 58:13) [[Shabbat]] 23:1 (Rashi himself on 149a seems to say this also, and tosfot 149a d"h "shtarei" questions Rashi. see Netziv in Meromei Sadeh 149 for a reconciliation of Rashi). Therefore, Sh”t Rashba 7:288 rules that it’s permitted to read books of wisdom and medicine and quotes the Ramban who agreed. [Bet Yosef 307:17 learns this out from another Teshuva of the Rashba 1:772 where he says that one may analyze an astrological tool called the Istrolav.]
* S”A 307:17 rules like the Rambam who says that on [[Shabbat]] one should only learn Torah and not books of other wisdoms, however, he mentions that some are lenient. Mishna Brurah 307:65 writes that the minhag is like the Rashba, however, a pious person (Yireh Shamayim) should be strict. [http://www.ravaviner.com/2010/01/studying-secular-subjects-on-shabbat.html Rav Aviner] holds like the Mishna Brurah. 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 982) uses a stricter language saying strictly speaking pleasure reading is permitted but it’s best to refrain from any secular books.
* Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 29:49 extends the Mishna Brurah even to permit reading professional literature, journals that does not include any business, and textbooks. He notes that Rav Shlomo Zalman (Nishmat Avraham 307:5) is quoted to say that a doctor could learn medicine on [[Shabbat]] but a medical student may not.
* However, Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] vol 2, pg 214, 626) rules like Shulchan Aruch that one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and is only lenient to allow a medical student who has a test after [[Shabbat]] and is pressured for time to study medicine (except for the study of surgery) on [[Shabbat]]. [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=8/5/2009 Rabbi Mansour] on DailyHalacha.com agrees. Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, pg 234) writes that the halacha follows Shulchan Aruch but one doesn’t have to protest those who are lenient because they have what to rely on.
* It's interesting to note that the Rama (Sh"t Rama 7) writes that he only studied philosophy from Moreh Nevuchim on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] when others were taking walks. </ref>
# According to Ashkenazim, one may read Jewish history texts that inspire mussar and Yirat Hashem. <Ref> S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Mishna Brurah 307:58 writes that Yosephon (not the same as Josephus) and a few other Jewish history books aren’t included in this prohibition because one learns from them ethics and fear of heaven (Yirat Hashem). Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 90:11 writes that one shouldn't study history on [[Shabbat]], however, one may read Jewish History books which inspire Yirat Shamayim and have Mussar in them, such as Shevet Yehuda, Sefer Yuchsin, Divrei HaYamim of Ri HaKohen, or Yosefon (which is not the same as Josephus). </ref>
# Many authorities forbid reading novels on [[Shabbat]]. Some are lenient for pleasure reading.<ref>S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (quoted by Menucha Shelemah pg 226) says that it is forbidden to read narratives and dramas on [[Shabbat]] because they do not inspire to Yirat Shamayim. Similarly, [[Shabbos]] Home (Rabbi Simcha Cohen, vol 1, pg 57-8) writes that the minhag is lenient by science, math, and medicine but not history and fictional novels which are not considered ‘wisdom’, however, one who fears heaven should refrain from any secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]]. However, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 982) (based on Rama 307:1 and Mishna Brurah 307:65) writes that strictly speaking pleasure reading is permitted  but concludes that it’s best to refrain from any secular book on [[Shabbat]]. 39 Melachos adds that obviously if there’s objectionable material it’s forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] or the week. </ref>
# Concerning studying for a secular test on [[Shabbat]] see [[Hachana#Study Torah and other subjects|Hachana]].


==Bus Schedule==
==Drinking in a Non-Jewish Store or House==
# One shouldn’t read a bus schedule on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </ref>
In order to keep the Jewish people at a distance from non-Jews in a venue in which they could become too well acquainted and arrive at intermarriage, the Chachamim prohibited drinking "Sheichar" of non-Jews.<ref>Avodah Zarah 31b</ref> Some say this was a takkanah or middat chassidut adopted by the later Amoraim.<ref>Two slightly different articulations of Rabbeinu Tam’s view as quoted by various Rishonim such as Sefer HaYashar Chiddushim 621/727, Tosafot Avodah Zarah 31b, Talmidei R' Yonah ad loc, Or Zarua Avodah Zarah 163, Rosh 2:15, Ramban, Ritva, and Ran ad loc, Torat HaBayit 5:1</ref>
# One is permitted to read street signs on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </ref>


==Reading captions of pictures==
===What Drinks Are Included===
#It is forbidden to read the captions of pictures on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Gemara [[Shabbat]] 149A, Rambam [[Shabbat]] 23:19, [[Maggid]] Mishneh [[Shabbat]] 23:19, Rosh [[Shabbat]] 23:1. Rashi there explains that this is as a gezera from the rabbis so that you won't come to read shtarei hedyotot. see Meiri there who says that captions themselves are shtarei hedyotot and Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 307:51 adds that the Beit Yosef seems to hold that way as well. Ran 63b in the Rif writes that the reason is that you may come to erase. Eliya Rabba 307:37 writes that the practical difference between Ran and Rashi would be if the writing is engraved where the concern that you may come to erase wouldn't exist.</ref> However, if is a caption underneath the picture of a rabbi then you may have room to be lenient. <ref> Rav Moshe Halevi in Menuchat Ahava 1 page 236 cites some rabbis who allow it since it enhances your fear of G-d but nevertheless says one should be strict even in this. </ref>
# "Sheichar" in the times of the Talmud referred primarily to date beer, but the general position of the Rishonim is that it applies to grain based beer, as well. Some are lenient and that seems to have been the custom in Ashkenaz, so Ashkenazim can rely on the Mordechai and Rama who hold that it is specifically date beer.<ref>Tosafot Avodah Zarah 31b s.v. utravayhu, Mordechai Avodah Zarah 819, Rama Yoreh Deah 114:1, Bach Yoreh Deah 114 who recommends being strict not to have any beer with non-Jews. Zivchei Tzedek 114:1, Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:1</ref>  Sephardim are stringent.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:1, Zivchei Tzedek 114:8, Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:11. See Darkei Teshvuah 114:5 for some further explanations of the Rama.</ref>
==Newspapers, Advertisements, Business==
# Similarly, a honey drink is included in the prohibition according to the strict opinion.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama Yoreh Deah 114:1. See Pri Chadash Yoreh Deah 114:1 and Pri Toar 114:1 who debate whether or not this gezerah is static or dynamic, respectively. i.e. are the examples set in stone (according to the Pri Chadash) or is there room for the gezerah's reach to expand and include or exclude additional drinks depending on cultural norms (Pri Toar, according to [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/895256/rabbi-dovid-cohen-crc-/alcoholic-beverages-2-siman-114-sif-1b-drinking-in-a-non-jew-s-bar-or-home-source-of-the-prohibition-which-locations-which-beverages-/ Rav Dovid Cohen]’s interpretation). See Mizmor leDavid ad loc who argues that since the whole din is at most MiDeRabbanan and has some fundamental aspects as a "minhag," meaning it was never proscribed by Beit Din, there's a lot of room to employ the axiom of Safek DeRabbanan lekullah.</ref>
#It is forbidden to read a catalogue of advertisements or anything that has any bearing on finances on [[shabbat]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 307:63, Yalkut Yosef 307.22, Rav Yisrael Belsky in Shulchan Halevi page 90, as well as Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, pg 233) who says this prohibition even applies if your a shopping for a mitzva related item such as the [[arba minim]]. </ref>
# Drinks that are uncommon are not included in this prohibition.<ref>Rambam Hilchot Maachalot Assurot 17:11 (Kesef Mishneh ad loc adds that they’re not called Sheichar), Tosafot Avodah Zarah 31b, Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah, Rosh Avodah Zarah 2:16, Mordechai Avodah Zarah 819, Torat HaBayit 5:1, Tur and Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:3</ref> According to some, anything not common in the times of Chazal can not be added later to the prohibition, even if it becomes more common.<ref>Pri Toar 114:3, Zivchei Tzedek 114:14, Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:17</ref>
# It is forbidden to read a recipes or a cookbook on Shabbat.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 29:48 writes that it is included in the prohibition of mimso chefsacha. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach thought that if one’s intent is purely to see how the food tastes better and isn’t concerned with how to cook it, maybe it would be considered a book of wisdom. Halacha Brurah (307:90, Amirah Lnochri v. 2 p. 329) writes that based on Rav Shlomo Zalman it is forbidden for Sephardim who hold it is forbidden to learn a science book on Shabbat. He also quotes Beer Moshe 6:67 who was lenient since people are only looking at the recipes for pleasure. Halacha Brurah still holds that it is forbidden. Listen to [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=3230 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] and [http://blog.webyeshiva.org/halacha-yomit-reading-cookbooks-on-shabbat/ Rabbi Brovender] explained this halacha.</ref>
# Additionally, expensive alcoholic drinks, such as rum, porter, and cognac are excluded according to some. Despite their ability to engender feelings of closeness, they're not common enough to be included in the gezerah.<ref>Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah 114:11, Darkei Teshuvah 114:7</ref>
# Many poskim forbid ordering a newspaper that is printed and delivered on Shabbat, while some are lenient if most of the subscribers are non-Jewish.<ref>
# Spirits with high alcohol per volume are also excluded, as it's unusual to have more than a couple of shots, which wouldn't be called "keviut." Drinking more than that is abnormal and someone who does drink excessively is not considered to be a "Bar Da'at,"<ref>Pri Toar 114:1, Darkei Teshuva 114:1, Zivchei Tzedek 114:2 (where for some reason this is quoted incorrectly) and 114:11.</ref> so it's not conducive to generating feelings of closeness.<ref>Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah 114:11, Darkei Teshuvah 114:6</ref>
* The Maharam Shick O.C. 123 addresses the question of subscribing to a newspaper that is printed on Shabbat. He says that although there is a dispute whether or not one may ask one non-Jew to ask another non-Jew to do a melacha on Shabbat, everyone should agree here that it is permitted, since the workers in the printing station don’t know that they are printing for Jews. Nonetheless, he concludes that this is not enough to rely on. Rav Mordechai Willig (Am Mordechai p. 214) writes that the Maharam’s logic would not apply nowadays, because the workers in the printing company know that there are Jews in the city for whom they are printing.
# With all this in mind, quite a few poskim disagree with the Rama and urge one to be stringent anyway.<ref>Pri Chadash Yoreh Deah 114:6 states the Rama is wrong entirely, Chochmat Adam 66:14 recommends being stringent, Kaf HaChaim 114:10. </ref>
* Rav Moshe Feinstein (quoted by The Sanctity of Shabbos p. 83), Mishneh Halachot 4:47, and Be’eir Moshe 6:66 agree that ordering a newspaper for Shabbat is forbidden because of Amirah LeNochri. Rav Hershel Schachter (oral communication, [https://halachipedia.com/documents/5773/6.pdf Halachipedia Article 5773 #6]) said it would be forbidden even if one orders a weekly subscription that includes Shabbat.
# Regardless, at Non-Jewish Parties it's all prohibited according to some.<ref>Pri Toar 114:1</ref> Others disagree.<ref>Rav Tehrani in Ben Yisrael Lnochri p. 324 and Mechon  Hameor fn. 2 to Pri Toar 114:1</ref>
* In another context, the Maharam Shick (O.C. 324) writes that it is not similar to the case of S”A 276:2 where halacha assumes that the non-Jew’s intent depends on the majority of the people for whom the melacha is done. In our case, every single print is for a specific need, and if the Jew didn’t subscribe, they would print less. Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 31:25, however, quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach who argues that it is permitted to order a newspaper to be delivered on Shabbat if most of the subscribers are non-Jews because the additional printing is considered a grama, and perhaps the newspapers printed for Jews are nullified by the majority. Nonetheless, Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata adds that if a non-Jew brought the newspaper through an area where there is no eruv, one may not read it on Shabbat.</ref>
# Many poskim write how coffee shops are included in the gezerah, so one would not be allowed to drink coffee or hot chocolate purchased in a coffee shop. Rather, he should walk outside to drink it.<ref>Erech Lechem Yoreh Deah 114:1 writes how in Egypt coffee should not be drunk where it is sold due to this concern of intermarriage, and because sitting in the coffee shop is a violation of Moshav Letzim. Yad Ephraim ad loc quotes the Yaavetz as saying the same, and the Sama in his Hagahot ad loc notes how the Vaad Arba Aratzot also prohibited it. On the other hand, the Pri Chadash Yoreh Deah 114:6 writes how if one is lenient on defining sheichar, then coffee in a coffee shop would not be an issue. This is echoed by the Maharit in his Be'er Heitev, but the Pitchei Teshuvah Yoreh Deah 114:1 quotes his grandfather the Panim Meirot as being strict (because Goyim invite each other over coffee). He also cites the aforementioned Yaavetz who argues to be lenient. In Pitchei Teshuva 122:4 he quotes a Noda BeYehudah who raises concerns of the constant use of the coffee utensils in the shop as a lack of opportunity to apply "Stam Kelim Bnei Yoman," thereby leaving the taste absorbed in the utensils prohibited always. Those who are lenient are worthy of rebuke. The Chochmat Adam 66:14 admits that coffee in a coffeehouse really is ok, but in our disastrous situation, people drink coffee with Chalav Akum, which is a real prohibition, and it also leads them to promiscuity with non-Jews, so those who are associated even slightly with Torah should stay away. See the Star-K’s article [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/6017/when-you-can-drink-and-drive-the-halachic-implications-of-drinking-coffee-on-the-road/ WHEN YOU CAN DRINK AND DRIVE: THE HALACHIC IMPLICATIONS OF DRINKING COFFEE ON THE ROAD] for more on this topic.
# Some say that it is permitted to read newspapers on Shabbat skipping the business sections and advertisements.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 29:48, 31:25, Mishna Brurah 307:63</ref>
Darkei Teshuvah 114:2 and Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:12 cite the aforementioned sources. Zivchei Tzedek 114:9 testifies that we assume like the Pri Chadash that it's not included and that the custom in Baghdad is to be lenient. The Pri Toar's point about parties is well taken, and it must be that the custom in Baghad is rooted in Darkei Shalom and preventing Eivah, as the coffeehouse is a venue of honoring one another. (Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:14) Rav Hershel Schachter accepts the stringency of the Chochmat Adam but admits that if it is uncommon to socialize with strangers in coffee shops, there is room to be lenient.</ref> Yet, the majority of poskim are lenient and the minhag is to be lenient.<ref>According to the Rama 114:1 obviously it is permitted since it isn’t date beer. Furthermore, even according to Shulchan Aruch, the Pri Chadash 114:6 writes that coffee isn’t a beer at all and is obviously permitted. Furthermore, the coffee is nullified in the water like it is in hilchot brachot. Maharit cited by Pitchei Teshuva 114:1 agrees. Chelkat Binyamin 114:22 cites the Gra and Pri Chadash as holding coffee isn’t included in sechar akum unlike the stringency of the Chaye Adam who advises against it.</ref>
# Is a newspaper printed on Shabbat considered nolad? Some poskim consider a newspaper printed on Shabbat to be nolad and forbidden to read. Others disagree. Furthermore, since it was in the property of the non-Jew it might not be muktzeh.<Ref>Rivevot Efraim 8:152:2 writes that a newspaper printed on Shabbat is nolad gamur and is muktzeh. However, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 31:24 writes that a newspaper printed on Shabbat is permissible to read. Gilyonot MReyach Nichoch 5775 Parshat Bo issue 225 p. 14 Rav Shlomo Aviner explains that a newspaper isn’t nolad since it is just paper with ink. Nishmat Avraham second edition p. 576 quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman that a fax that came in on Shabbat is nolad on Shabbat but a newspaper made on Shabbat isn't nolad since there's no muktzeh on a non-Jew's property. (Magen Avraham 308:15 and 501:12 writes that a utensil made by goy on Shabbat is nolad and is muktzeh even though it belonged to a non-Jew, but the Levush 505:1 argues that even for nolad there’s no muktzeh for a non-Jew’s property.)</ref>
# It should be noted that in a location where people are lax in their observance of the prohibition of Stam Yeynam, even sheichar is prohibited.<ref>The Gemara (Avodah Zarah 31b) tells how Rav Shmuel bar Bisna went to a place called Margoan and didn't drink their wine or their sheichar because of "shimtza" and "shimtza deshimtza." Rashi ad loc interprets Margoan as a place where Jews weren't so careful with Stem Yaynam and Shimtza as wine mixed in. The Ritva ad loc argues that it was a Non-Jewish place, and that they sent him a present. The Rif and Rosh omit this din altogether. Meanwhile, the Rashba writes like Rashi in Torat HaBayit HaAroch 5:1 and that it's a stringency that a Baal Nefesh should accept upon himself; however, in Torat HaBayit HaKatzar he writes that it's prohibited unequivocally. The Tur Yoreh Deah 114:2 only brings the Rashba's opinion from the Katzar (he didn't have the Aroch), and the Beit Yosef ad loc fills in the Aroch. See Perishah Yoreh Deah 114:2 and Bach Kuntres Acharon ad loc for a discussion regarding why the Tur chose to include a Halacha about Stam Yeynam here next to Sheichar Akum, since it's seemingly unrelated. Shach Yoreh Deah 114:4 cites both. In Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:2 he copies the unequivocally prohibited articulation.</ref>
# Some remain lenient by Sheichar where the injunction of Stam Yeyanm is derelict, if the majority of the population consists of non-Jews, as long as one is purchasing from a Non-Jewish vendor.<ref>The Maharshal is quoted as saying that the whole issue is irrelevant nowadays because it's so commonplace to be lax,  so it should be permitted to drink the beverage outside the Goy's home. The Bach, however, argues that the Maharshal's reasoning does not obviate the concern for wine mixed in. Instead he interprets the Gezerah as enacted only in a place with a majority of Jews in the population, but, if the majority are non-Jews, one may purchase from the non-Jews but not the Jews who are suspect. On the other hand, Taz Yoreh Deah 114:3 contends Maharshal means that where it's widespread, not drinking sheichar won't mean anything for people because they won't know what to be distanced from. Shach Yoreh Deah 114:4, Pri Chadash Yoreh Deah 114:7, Zivchei Tzedek 114:13, and Kaf HaChaim 114:16 side with the Bach on this.</ref>
# Some say that if there's no concern for wine being mixed in through negligence, then one can be lenient.<ref>Pri Toar 114:2 considers that in Margoan they weren't careful with the storage of the Sheichar and there was a real chance that wine was mixed in in their negligence. Therefore, if that is not the case one can be lenient, against the Shulchan Aruch's ruling. See Darkei Teshuvah 114:9 who is willing to consider this as part of a multifaceted leniency. </ref>
 
===Where===
# The Gemara tells how one Amora would take the sheichar out the door of the non-Jew's home in order to drink it, while a different Amora would go all the way back home.<ref>Avodah Zarah 31b.</ref> At that point, the concern for intermarriage no longer applies.<ref>Rif, Rabbeinu Chananel, Ramban, Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah, Rosh 2:15, Ran, and Tosafot Rid ad loc, Beit Yosef Yoreh Deah 114:1</ref> In practice, one can be lenient and drink once he has fully exited the place of sale, but there is definitely room to follow the second opinion either due to interest in being stringent or because the Halacha follows it.<ref>Most authorities (Rif, Tosafot, Rashba) argue that the second Amora was only acting stringently on himself, but the Rambam (Maachalot Assurot 17:10) took him more seriously and holds like him. Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:1 presents the language of the Rambam, but Pri Chadash Yoreh Deah 114:3 and Darkei Teshuva 114:3 disagree. In the Pri Chadash's view, the second, more stringent Amora only went all the way home because he was a regular. A person who doesn't go regularly can even drink in the doorway of the place of sale. Mizmor leDavid (Pardo, ad loc.), Chochmat Adam 66:14, Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh Deah 114:10, and Zivchei Tzedek 114:3 argue back in favor of Shulchan Aruch's ruling and note that the Rama doesn't even disagree. However, the Shulchan Gavoah interprets Rambam and, by extension, Shulchan Aruch to not be literal in their insistence on going all the way home.</ref>
# Therefore, even in a kosher restaurant, if it's owned by a non-Jew, a Sephardi<ref>see the leniency for Ashkenazim above</ref> may not have a beer at the bar; rather, he must take it and sit down at a table in the other room.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/895256/rabbi-dovid-cohen-crc-/alcoholic-beverages-2-siman-114-sif-1b-drinking-in-a-non-jew-s-bar-or-home-source-of-the-prohibition-which-locations-which-beverages-/ R' Dovid Cohen (cRc)]</ref>
# One who is staying overnight in a non-Jews home (such as in an inn or hotel), and one who is hosting the non-Jew in his home, however, can be lenient, because of Eivah. The prohibition preventing intermarriage applies only in the context of a drinking party in the store or regularly in the non-Jew's home.<ref>Sefer HaTerumah 158, Tosfot Avodah Zarah 31b s.v. Utravayhu, Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah and Ritva ad loc, Ohr Zarua Avodah Zarah 163, Rosh Avodah Zarah 2:15 adds that "Gedolei Eretz HaEey (England) were lenient, Mordechai Avodah Zarah 819, Hagahot Maimoniot, Tur and Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:1, Kenesset HaGedolah Hagahot Beit Yosef 114:10, Zivchei Tzedek 114:6-7, Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:7</ref>
# In other words, if one is participating in a fashion which is both "aray" (informal, unestablished) and "akrai" (seldom, three or fewer times), it is permissible. Meaning, drinking in an established fashion ("keva" instead of "aray") even once is a problem, and more than three times (ragil) even informally (be'akrai) are still problematic.
# One may also send someone to bring him Sheichar from a non-Jew in the city and drink it bederech keva in his own home.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:1, Kaf HaChaim Yoreh Deah 114:8</ref>
# See page on [[Marit Ayin/Suspicious actions|Marit Ayin]] for relevant halachot in these situations.
 
==Attending Parties With Non-Jews==
 
#Most say that one is not allowed to drink any alcohol or eat any food at a party provided that there are more non-Jews than Jews at his table or immediate social group at the party.<ref>Gemara Avoda Zara 8a, Rambam Ma'achalot Asurot 17:9-10</ref>
# In order to maintain peaceful relationships with non-Jews some say that one is allowed to attend and eat at the party of a non-Jew, if the food is kosher.<ref>Levush Yoreh Deah 152:1</ref> Some hold that if necessary one may attend but not eat.<ref>Mishna Halachos 7:118 writes that one is allowed to attend if necessary, but one is forbidden from eating at the social event.</ref>
# The prohibition also applies to a case where there are an equal amount of Jews and non-Jews.<ref>Pri Chadash 114:1</ref> Where there are more Jews than non-Jews in one's social group or table at a party, the prohibitions do not apply.<ref>Rambam Ma'achalot Asurot 17:9-10</ref>
#If there is no wine or beer present, some hold that one may attend a party with more non-Jews than Jews at his table or immediate social group, and he may eat (kosher food) and drink other beverages. <ref>Ben Yisroel Lenochri pg. 324 according to his interpretation of Rambam Maachalot Asurot 17:9-10.</ref> Some hold one would still not be able to eat or drink other beverages in such a case. <ref>Lechem Mishna on the Rambam Maachalot Asurot 17:9-10, Pri Chadash 114:101 according to his interpretation of Rambam Maachalot Asurot 17:9-10.</ref>
#It is forbidden to do a parlor meeting in a non-Jew's house because it is like having a party with non-Jews at their house.<ref>Igrot Moshe YD 2:117</ref>
# It isn't proper to honor a non-Jew at a fundraising banquet if doing so will generate donations.<ref>Igrot Moshe YD 2:117 explains that it is a problem to accept donations that were given because of the non-Jew since that would constitute a chilul Hashem since it is public. It would only be permitted if the institution couldn't support itself at all unless it did this. Even so it is improper to honor the non-Jew for the fundraiser even if there is a way to permit it.</ref>
 
==Attending Office Parties==
 
#Most hold one is allowed to attend office parties,<ref>[https://www.torahmusings.com/2013/12/bars-and-office-parties-in-jewish-law-ii/#fn-19570-42 Rabbi J. David Bleich] holds that if one was invited to the office party then he would be allowed to go.</ref> but preferably only for business purposes (ex. to receive a salary bonus).<ref>Rabbi Baruch Chaim Hirschfeld, cited in Rabbi Yerachmiel Dweck’s article ''Beiur Inyan Mesibot Shel Goyim'' in ''Yismach Yisrael'' 3, Shevat 5771. Rabbi Hirschfeld argues that the decree does not apply to attending parties for  business purposes because it was only decreed to create social distance (cited in Rabbi Jonathan Ziring's article [https://www.torahmusings.com/2013/12/bars-and-office-parties-in-jewish-law-ii/#fn-19570-47 ''Bars and Office Parties in Jewish Law II''  in Torah Musings]).</ref> Many who are lenient in regard to attending office parties still say that one should not remain at the party for too long.<ref>[https://www.torahmusings.com/2013/12/bars-and-office-parties-in-jewish-law-ii/#fnref-19570-32 Rabbi Hershel Schachter], [https://torah.org/torah-portion/weekly-halacha-5767-miketz/ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt]</ref> Some, however, are strict about attending office parties and say that one may not attend the parties altogether.<ref>Shut Mishne Halachot 7:118</ref>
#One should not attend an office party that has a sign up sheet (or the like) as opposed to a formal invitation.<ref> [https://www.torahmusings.com/2013/12/bars-and-office-parties-in-jewish-law-ii/#fn-19570-42 Rabbi J. David Bleich] explained that one should not attend an office party with a signup sheet. The reason for this is because a signup sheet indicates that attendance to the holiday party is completely optional and, therefore, not attending will not cause one to lose out from a business perspective.</ref>
#If there is no Avodah Zara present, attending office holiday parties has the same considerations as other office parties.<ref>[https://torah.org/torah-portion/weekly-halacha-5767-miketz/ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt]</ref>
 
==Attending Non-Jewish Weddings==
 
#One is forbidden from eating and drinking at a non-Jewish wedding even if one brings their own food to the wedding.<ref>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. </ref><ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 152:1, The Shulchan Aruch implies that one is allowed to attend the wedding as long as one does not eat or drink at the wedding.</ref><ref>Derisha 152:1, The Derisha suggests that there may be a heter to attend (but not eat at the wedding of a non-Jew) in order to ensure that there is no ill will or hatred that develops between Jews and non-Jews. </ref> Some, however, say that it is forbidden to even attend the wedding of a non-Jew even if one does not intend to eat the food there.<ref>Ben Yisrael Lenachri 152:1, There is a discussion in the rishonim whether one can go to a non-Jewish wedding and not eat or if one is forbidden from attending the wedding whether one intends to eat or not. The Taz 152:1 implies that it is forbidden to attend the non-Jewish wedding even if one does not intend to eat at the wedding. </ref>
#Some say that eating and drinking at the wedding of a Muslim is allowed.<ref>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. </ref> Others argue that attending the wedding of any non-Jew, even if the non-Jew is a Muslim, is forbidden.<ref>Shut Chessed L'Avraham 14:26 pg. 127a, Darkei Teshuva 114:1, Ben Yisrael Lenachri pg. 398. According to view that it is forbidden to eat and drink at the wedding of a Muslim, the issue of eating and drinking at the wedding of a non-Jew is that it will lead to intermarriage. Therefore, it is still an issue to eat and drink at the wedding of a muslim as this practice may lead to intermarriage. </ref>


==Giving Invitations==
# Technically, if the only time one see's his/her friends is on [[Shabbat]], one may give out wedding or bar mitzvah invitations on [[Shabbat]].  One must make sure that the distribution of invitations does not cause one to violate the prohibition of [[carrying on Shabbat]].  However, it is absolutely preferable to to give out mitzvah invitations during the week. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.21 </ref>.
==Sad stories==
#It is preferable not to read sad things that may bring the reader to tears such as holocaust stories. <ref> Mishna Brurah 307:3; Ketzot Hashulchan 107:43. </ref>
[[Image:Mail.gif|200px|right]]
==Opening Mail==
# It’s forbidden to tear or steam a letter open on [[Shabbat]]. It’s permissible to tell a non-Jew that it’s forbidden to open letters on [[Shabbat]] so that the non-Jew will understand to open it as this is not a command but only a hint. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 30:2 </ref> Similarly, it’s permissible to benefit from the letter since the action of the non-Jew was applied to the envelope and not to the letter directly. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 30:57 </ref>
# It’s permissible to open an envelope or a booklet that was stapled shut just for transmission by post by removing the staples. However, it’s forbidden to remove the staples from two papers that were stapled together permanently. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 28:5 </ref> Similarly, it’s forbidden to staple an envelope closed. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 28:5 </ref>
==Reading Mail==
# In general it’s forbidden to read letters on [[Shabbat]] even of a social or business correspondence. However, if a letter of social correspondence arrived on [[Shabbat]] it’s permissible to read it silently (without moving one’s lips) because it’s possible that it contains crucial information for [[Shabbat]]. However, business letters may not be read on [[Shabbat]] at all. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 29:45. Sh"t Iggerot Moshe 5:21:5 writes that since we no longer get any urgent news in the [[mail]] this doesn't really apply anymore. see also tiltulei [[shabbat]] teshuva 29, the [[Shabbos]] Home of Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen 5:footnote 14, Beer Moshe 6:66, Rav Avigdor Neventzal in Yerushalayim Bimoadeha [[Shabbat]] Kodesh 2 page 260 who agree to be stringent  </ref>
==Links==
==Links==
# [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/761976/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-newspaper-on-shabbos/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz's Ten Minute Halacha on Reading Newspapers on Shabbat]
# For contemporary applications of some of these issues, including the views of Rav Yisroel Belsky and Rav Hershel Schachter, see [https://oukosher.org/blog/kosher-in-the-factory/coffee/ Coffee] and [https://oukosher.org/blog/kosher-professionals/drinking-coffee-on-the-road-2/ Drinking Coffee on the Road].
#[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/878315/rabbi-yoni-levin/meeting-for-coffee-at-starbucks-social-drinking-with-co-workers/ Shiur from Rabbi Yoni Levin]
#[https://www.torahmusings.com/2013/12/bars-and-office-parties-in-jewish-law-ii/#fn-19570-42 Article by Rabbi Jonathan Ziring in ''Torah Musings'']
#[https://torah.org/torah-portion/weekly-halacha-5767-miketz/ Article by Rabbi Doniel Neustadt]


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references />
[[Category:Shabbat]]
[[Category:Interactions with Non-Jews]]
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