non-Jewish holidays: national holidays, other religions' holidays, other cultures' holidays
10
votes
5answers
249 views
Thanksgiving Meal Allowed?
Is celebrating Thanksgiving with a formal sit down meal against Halacha?
8
votes
4answers
230 views
December greeting responses
How do you respond when greeted, during the Winter "holiday season" by a non-Jewish acquaintance with each of the following?
Happy Chanuka (in proximity to Chanuka)
Happy Chanuka (not in proximity ...
11
votes
5answers
452 views
Nittle Nacht Meaning
What is Nittle Nacht?
What does the name mean?
What is its significance?
Which Halachic authorities speak about it, and what do they say?
What is the actual date for it?
How is it effected this ...
3
votes
2answers
229 views
Do Jewish people celebrate Christmas?
Do Jewish people celebrate Christmas like Christians?
What do they do on Christmas?
3
votes
1answer
119 views
Converts, kibbud av v'eim, and non-Jewish holidays
A convert is required to honor his parents. This does not apply when fulfilling their requests violates halacha. I suspect that many parents of converts, who are not knowledgable in halacha and ...
7
votes
2answers
212 views
May a Jew Trick or Treat?
What would the halachic issues be (if any) regarding a Jew who wants to trick-or-treat on October 31st?
5
votes
2answers
156 views
Business with Christians during their holiday periods
According to those who hold that Christianity is avodah zarah, may Jews do business with Christians within three days of Sunday (or if you want, within 3 days of Dec. 25 or Easter) in light of the ...
8
votes
3answers
223 views
Explaining non-Jewish holidays to children?
How should one explain non-Jewish holidays and churches to young children?
7
votes
1answer
120 views
Fasting for non Religious Reasons?
I was recently asked to fast as a part of a multi-faith community fast as spiritual preparation for doing voter engagement work (I work for a multi-faith, multi-ethnic community organization.)
Here ...
10
votes
1answer
164 views
Are Jews allowed to participate in Valentine's Day rituals?
Are Jews allowed to participate in Valentine's Day rituals? Although St. Valentine's Day is originally a quasi-Christian holiday, it seems that some communities allow participation.* Which communities ...
6
votes
1answer
198 views
What are the relevant Halachot for participating in a “Secret Santa” at your location of employment?
Secret Santa is a form of communal gift giving, that I have seen being done at workplaces to foster closer ties to employees. It is generally done near the end of the secular year. While the wiki ...
6
votes
2answers
117 views
Can I wish someone a Happy New Year?
Seeing as New Years at least appears to be a non-religious occasion and is a national, secular holiday, can I wish a coworker a Happy New Years?
11
votes
2answers
474 views
Giving gifts to non-Jews at Christmastime
Is it okay at Christmastime to give a gift to a boss or for kids to give gifts to teachers if they are not Jewish?
9
votes
3answers
312 views
Is it okay to enjoy Christmas lights?
My daughter is always talking about how she hates everything Christmas, including the lights on the houses. I am trying to encourage her that she can like non religious things like the lights, so ...
