There is no question that in our society one must, whenever possible, greet our non-Jewish friends in a polite way. The Talmud tells us that Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai would always make sure to greet all people first (before they could greet him) and this was a good trait that one should follow.
Rabbi Berel Wein often shares the story of an Irish immigrant who served as the maid for an observant Jewish family. When the family went on vacation during the December holiday of Christmas, the maid, unfamiliar with Jewish customs, decorated the house with a tree and its decorations. Upon their return, the father, rather than scolding her or rebuking her, expressed gratitude for her thoughtfulness and rewarded her greatly. In later years her son grew to become the editor of the Detroit Free Press and remembered with kindness this wonderful gesture from this religious family. Rabbi Wein states that during the time that this son served as editor, he always reported positively about the Jews and the state of Israel. The story demonstrates the importance of kindness and understanding even in the face of cultural and religious differences.
It goes without saying that greeting someone during their holiday promotes good will and therefore should be done.
Having said that, if one is not comfortable saying “Merry Christmas,” one should simply say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.”
– Rabbi Mordechai Weiss lives in Efrat, Israel, and previously served as an elementary and high school principal in New Jersey and Connecticut. He was also the founder and rav of Young Israel of Margate, N.J. His email is [email protected].
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This is a very delicate matter as we are not permitted to encourage avoda zara. The most we can wish is Season’s Greetings or some other pareve greeting. While it may feel awkward, we must hold strong and not cave to social pressure.
– Rabbi Chaim Jachter is a prominent rabbi who serves as the rabbi at Congregation Shaarei Orah, the Sephardic Congregation of Teaneck, and is a popular Torah teacher at the Torah Academy of Bergen County. He also serves as a Dayan on the Beth Din of Elizabeth and has acquired an international reputation of excellence in the area of Get administration. He has authored sixteen books on issues ranging from contemporary Halacha, Tanach, Aggada, and Jewish Thought all available on Amazon.
