Questions tagged [gentiles]

Relations with non-Jews, and laws regarding them.

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Are forbidden relations forbidden to the passive non-jew?

(Rambam sefaria, HebrewBooks, Chabad.org) A non-jewish man cannot have relations with: (a woman who was) his father's wife his mother a (another) man's wife his maternal sister a man an ...
hazoriz's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
56 views

Keeping Chometzdik Lost Item On Pesach For Non-Jew to Pick Up? [closed]

When a non-Jewish friend from my hometown was visiting me where I now live, I gave him a gift of scotch. After receiving the gift, he then accidentally left the scotch at my home. I will be returning ...
BadAtNamingStuff's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
388 views

Is there any rabbinical precedent, ancient or recent, to tell somebody that they are Jewish?

Is there any rabbinical precedent, ancient or recent, to tell somebody (for any reason) that they are Jewish (if such a person is unaware and does indeed have matrilineal Jewish descent)? Scenarios ...
ninamag's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
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Can you accept money for your chametz items during Pesach?

You sold your chametz to a non-Jew, directly. During Hol Hamo'ed, the non-Jew comes to your home and says he wants your $500 single malt scotch, and he writes you a check for it. He walks out with ...
DanF's user avatar
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14 votes
1 answer
325 views

Is the obligation for Gentiles to establish a system of courts communal or individual?

One of the seven laws of Noah for gentiles is to set up a system of courts. Is the obligation to set up a system of courts a communal obligation on Gentile communities, or does every single Gentile ...
Robert Columbia's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
180 views

Sources about door-opening at the Seder

In Would there be anything wrong with opening the door earlier at the seder?, the OP lists two possible reasons for opening the door at the Seder, neither of which has any solid sourcing mentioned in ...
רבות מחשבות's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
228 views

Explanation of Alter Rebbe's proof of G-d?

I heard recently from a Rabbi's speech (a.k.a., I don't know the actual source) that when the Alter Rebbe was in prison in Russia one of the Russians there asked him to prove the existence of G-d. So ...
B''H Bi'ezras -- Boruch Hashem's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
146 views

Sources for contemporary applications of משום איבה

My answer to Eating with non jews gives an example of a prohibition to prevent intermarriage and the use of the concept of משום איבה to relax the prohibition. More generally, on the one hand, ...
Avrohom Yitzchok's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
559 views

How will the Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, etc come to recognize the G-d of Israel when the Messiah comes

How will the Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, etc come to recognize the G-d of Israel when the Messiah comes since these religions and rest of the 49% of the world's population that doesn't believe ...
Ramban's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
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Can a Jew go to a microbrewery or whiskey / rum distillery?

This M.Y. answer discusses various opinions regarding drinking in a bar. The Long Island area, among other areas in the U.S., has several interesting micro - breweries as well as a few distilleries. ...
DanF's user avatar
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4 votes
0 answers
1k views

Sources forbidding a gentile from keeping the Sabbath

I have read that there is a halacha that a non-Jew may not observe Shabbat. This seems to stem from the gemara cited here and the Rambam listed here. But the gemara only seems to be saying that a non-...
rosends's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
47 views

Non Jews checking vegetables [duplicate]

Does a non-Jew need to check their lettuce for infestation. The thrips and other insects there may very well be alive. Would that violate "aver min hachai"?
user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
814 views

Can you use a "kosher" called microwave at work?

Let us assume there is an workplace environment which has Jewish and non-Jewish employees and there are multiple microwaves, some designated clearly as "for kosher food only" and others that are for ...
rikitikitembo's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
43 views

Is it mutar to grab drinks with coworkers [duplicate]

In Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 114:1 it states that it is prohibited to drink certain (alcoholic) drinks together with a non-Jew due to the Issur of "Chasnus". Would this issue apply in a case where a ...
Modern-Yesheevish's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
73 views

Is one allowed to check their coat on Shabbat / Yom Tov?

I understand that one may not benefit from a Gentile's melacha on Shabbat if such work only benefits you (a Jew). Many shuls hire a Gentile person to take your coats, etc. They tear a ticket and give ...
DanF's user avatar
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3 votes
0 answers
131 views

Purpose of non-Jews

I was having a conversation with a friend about the purpose of life. I remember learning somewhere that the purpose of non-Jews is to build up the physical world, while the purpose of Jews is to ...
Menachem Eliyahu's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
3k views

How does one begin studying the Talmud?

I am a non-Jew and am I interested in studying the Talmud, but don't know how to begin. To start with, I have tried looking for an affordable Talmud or even part of it that I can buy just to start ...
Charlie's user avatar
  • 152
2 votes
1 answer
187 views

Are gentiles prohibited from striking another gentile?

Is a gentile forbidden from striking another gentile? For example: If a gentile finds himself faced with an individual (who is likewise a gentile) who repeatedly intimidates, insults and/or otherwise ...
ag415's user avatar
  • 395
5 votes
1 answer
636 views

Can you answer amen to a non-Jewish blessing or prayer of a gentile?

Is a person allowed to answer amen to a prayer or blessing of a gentile? I would assume you can unless the prayer specifically of an idolatrous nature. For example in Christianity saying grace before ...
rikitikitembo's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
366 views

How does Judaism relate to miracle claims by other religions?

Other religions claim that (their) God or other individuals have performed miracles either on behalf of a person(s) or entire nations. Growing up I was taught that the Jewish people are God's special,...
rikitikitembo's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
206 views

Selling Gemara to non-Jews

Is it permissible for someone to sell sefarim (e.g., a gemara) to non-Jews? Does it make a difference if they are messianic "Jews" (people who believe Jesus is Moshiach)?
Dan's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
295 views

Conversion -- any negative implications if grandfather was a kohen?

Someone coming from a Jewish family but not halakhically Jewish (e.g., with a Jewish maternal grandfather but not grandmother) is converting through an an Orthodox conversion. That person then ...
Madelyn's user avatar
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6 votes
0 answers
185 views

How does a non jew inherit his father?

The gemarra in Kiddushin 17b says that a non Jew inherits his father. My question is according to the Achronim1 who say the concept of "rov" doesn't apply to non Jews, how can a non Jew know who their ...
robev's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
103 views

Bringing a korban *before* conversion

Bringing a korban these days is halachicly problematic for various reasons. (tumah, Kohen status, location, etc.). For these reasons, a convert is currently exempt from bringing a korban. However, ...
Nic's user avatar
  • 3,705
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Are non-Jews allowed / invited to attend orthodox weddings?

I am a Reform Jew and ill-equipped to answer this question from a close friend who is not Jewish. Apparently, my (non-Jewish) friend is NOT invited to the (Orthodox) wedding of the daughter of a ...
johnrosen's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
226 views

Received a check by mistake - should one return it?

Assume a Jew received by mistake a non-Jew's mail containing a check. The Halacha prohibits the return of an Avaidas Akum meaning an object which was lost by a non-Jew, unless it is done to bring out ...
Avraham Yakov Silverstein's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
115 views

Issues with drinking with non-Jewish coworkers [duplicate]

I work at a company with many non-Jews and often we will go out to celebrate milestones we hit. What are the issues with going out to drink with them if I order a bottle of unopened beer ?
CodyBugstein's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
290 views

Will non-Jews be welcome in a Jewish neighborhood? [closed]

We are considering buying a house in a suburban Philadelphia neighborhood that has a large Jewish population (we are not Jewish)and are wondering if we would be welcome there. Are there special ...
Sparrow's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
991 views

Is there a gentile Mamzer?

Gentiles were commanded on 6 types of Arayos (forbidden relationships) Rambam Melachim 9,5. What is the legal status of a child from those relations between two gentiles. If he converts convert would ...
Al Berko's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
199 views

Can a Jew work for a gentile government?

Is it permissible for a Jew to perform work for a gentile government? I've heard that the Lubavitcher Rebbe z'tl helped the US Navy with his knowledge of electrical engineering during WW2, but perhaps ...
Fei23's user avatar
  • 1,757
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

Why if you drink water directly from a river you'd be considered pagan?

I once heard that one way to determine if a person were a pagan or Jewish was to see how the person drinks from a water reservoir (river/lake etc). If a person would hold the water with their hands ...
Yos's user avatar
  • 133
1 vote
0 answers
121 views

What's the heter to ask a non jew to fix a sukkah on yom tov

The Mishnah Berurah 637:1 says its forbidden to build a sukkah on yom tov or to fix the schach if it fell off. However, through a non jew יש להתיר, he says it's permissible. Im curious what is the ...
robev's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can the entire succah be constructed by a Gentile?

In many shuls, I see that the hired Gentile custodian constructs the entire succah including laying down the schach. I understood that some part of the succah must be done by a Jew - at the least, ...
DanF's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
467 views

Are gentiles free from Mitzvot?

It is declared that Torah were given to nations, only Jews were willing to receive, therefore Jews became special persons before HaShem. Accordingly, does HaShem require different responsibility(ies) ...
user15676's user avatar
  • 221
2 votes
1 answer
338 views

What is the "death"? If Gentiles keep Shabbat?

What is the death? Physically? Or spiritually? A gentile who abstains from melacha is liable to death as it says "day and night they shall not stop" (sanhedrin 58b)
user15676's user avatar
  • 221
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

May Jews not pray to the Abrahamic God in any guise?

I came across this comment on another site of the Stack Exchange network posted on a question discussing whether it is OK for someone who is not a Christian to be participate in a Christian prayer (...
terdon's user avatar
  • 175
5 votes
2 answers
333 views

Online videos of shiurim

Are non-Jews allowed to watch online videos of shiurim, and if so, how would a Gentile know if he or she is permitted to watch it? As a non-Jew, I like spending time watching YouTube videos of ...
Striv4Conv5748's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
174 views

May a Jew live in a town with no other Jews?

Are there any Halachot pertaining to a Jew living in a community with no other Jews? Is it permitted for a Jew to live in such a community? I need sources! I'm not talking about keeping kosher and ...
Adina Leah 's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Is it mentioned anywhere in all of the Mishna or the Talmud that Paul of Tarsus was a student of Rabban Gamaliel

Is it mentioned anywhere in all of the Mishna or the Talmud that Paul of Tarsus was a student of Rabban Gamaliel? Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet ...
PanelPulse's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Is there a term for a non-Jewish friend of the Jews? [closed]

I saw a related, unanswered question but it was specific to honorable deceased non-Jews. I'm wondering if there is a Yiddish term in Judaism for someone who may be close friends with many Jews, who ...
Hack-R's user avatar
  • 153
2 votes
2 answers
378 views

Does killing a gentile unintentionally absolve you from the crime? (Makkot 7b)

Does killing a gentile unintentionally absolve you from the crime? (Makkot 7b) "(דברים יט, ד) בבלי דעת פרט למתכוין מתכוין פשיטא בר קטלא הוא אמר רבה פרט למתכוין להרוג את הבהמה והרג את האדם לכותי והרג ...
RandomUser's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
4k views

Can a non Jew pray at the temple mount western wall?

Can a non-Jew pray and take part at temple mount western wall prayers in Jerusalem?
Shawn Pinto's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
816 views

Can a non Jew wear the tefflin? [duplicate]

Shalom my friends I want to clear my doubt when I go to temple mount can a non Jew wear a tefflin on his arm and forhead.Thank you Shalom.
Shawn Pinto's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
39 views

What to do with idol worship relics or impure objects

Once knowing the truth of the Torah, and the seven noahide laws,I disposed of many things. I want to know how exactly are you to dispose of these things.( Parashat Re'eh) gives a set of instructions ...
Oded's user avatar
  • 159
0 votes
1 answer
179 views

Is a hired non-Jewish maid prohibited to work on Shabbat?

I am trying to understand what is meant by Devarim 5:14. It says that your slave may not perform any melacha so that they "may rest as you do". Does this mean that if someone has a full-time live-in ...
DanF's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
317 views

Does a non-Jew learn in the womb the same way a Jew does?

At every stage of a person’s existence, Torah is part of it. “When you are sitting at home” (meaning in the womb) “when you are going on the road,” (meaning the soul descends from the world above to ...
Oded's user avatar
  • 159
10 votes
1 answer
410 views

Ramban and Shituf. What is his position?

The Ramban on Devarim 7:6 says: בך בחר ה' אלהיך להיות לו לעם סגלה שאין לך קצין שוטר ומושל בכל מלאכי מעלה אבל אתה סגולת ה' תחת ידו ולכך לא תטעה לעבוד ע"ז מאלהי העמים וכבר הזכרתי זה פעמים רבות ...
Menachem's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
83 views

How is a reference to Egypt comforting when the concern is that the enemy is many?

In the beginning of Ekev, Moshe describes wonderful things that will befall the Jews when they adhere to God's will. It says among them (7:16–19) that "you shall consume all the peoples…. ...
msh210's user avatar
  • 73.7k
6 votes
2 answers
449 views

Non Jews and human flesh

There is a prohibition against a Jew eating human flesh. There is a dispute if it is a biblical or rabbinic prohibition (see here, here and here). Either way, I'm wondering if a non jew has the same ...
robev's user avatar
  • 19.9k
3 votes
1 answer
169 views

Why didn't Rashi mention lo sechanem includes gifts

Devarim 7:2 says: וּנְתָנָ֞ם יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ לְפָנֶ֖יךָ וְהִכִּיתָ֑ם הַחֲרֵ֤ם תַּחֲרִים֙ אֹתָ֔ם לֹא־תִכְרֹ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם בְּרִ֖ית וְלֹ֥א תְחָנֵּֽם׃ and the LORD your God delivers them to you and ...
robev's user avatar
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