04-19-2010, 03:43 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-11-2024, 05:02 AM by Director Michael.)
If the private home celebration of an idolatrous holiday is only practiced out of custom, surely it is permitted for a Noahide to attend. But, if there are some of the family members that make this into a religious service of idol worship, it is forbidden.
It is permitted for a Noahide to attend even if the minority of the assembly is involved with an idolatrous service but the majority is not, IF it would lead to strife should the Noahide refuse to attend.
The majority or minority mentioned is in regard to the activities being held. For example: a short prayer to an idol, only before the celebration begins, would be a minor factor. But continuous or frequent acts throughout the celebration that are associated with serving or praising the idol are forbidden, even if strife may occur. Likewise, if the dominant spirit of the celebration is focused on the idol.
See "The Divine Code," 4th Edition, Part II (The Prohibition of Idolatry), topic 2:3.
It seems to be more questionable for a Jew to attend in the above circumstances. Taz on the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 151) forbids a Jew to participate in this situation even if strife would occur.
It is permitted for a Noahide to attend even if the minority of the assembly is involved with an idolatrous service but the majority is not, IF it would lead to strife should the Noahide refuse to attend.
The majority or minority mentioned is in regard to the activities being held. For example: a short prayer to an idol, only before the celebration begins, would be a minor factor. But continuous or frequent acts throughout the celebration that are associated with serving or praising the idol are forbidden, even if strife may occur. Likewise, if the dominant spirit of the celebration is focused on the idol.
See "The Divine Code," 4th Edition, Part II (The Prohibition of Idolatry), topic 2:3.
It seems to be more questionable for a Jew to attend in the above circumstances. Taz on the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 151) forbids a Jew to participate in this situation even if strife would occur.