Hello,
I have a couple of questions about how we should interact with the world around us and our non Jewish friends.
- Is there an actual prohibition (D’Oraita or D’Rabbanan) around watching movies that may contain casual nudity (I am not talking about porn movies obviously) or to avoid certain books, art or music. I am basically asking if we can relate to the world as any normal human, watching movies, listening to music that we like, going to art galleries that may contain different expressions of art etc. and what are the actual Halakhic boundaries?
- In regards of relationships with non Jewish friends. I saw in S”A and MT that we are not supposed to drink with non Jews, or in bars o attend parties/weddings of non Jews and drink there. It seems in my opinion that it relates to actual idolaters of the past, which don’t exist anymore as you explained before and that nowadays maybe we can be more lenient about all of these issues. Can you please explain the Halakha on this and how it applies today?
Thank you for your clear explanation! I really appreciate it.
So, basically, for both topics, nowadays there is no clear prohibition but a call for awareness and mindfulness to the way we relate to the world, our friends and the choices we do. Obviously we need to be aware of situations that may lead to actual clear prohibitions, right?
And I have another question that it’s unrelated to the topic. I understand that using the same oil that was used to cook something non Kosher, to cook something Kosher in the same frying pan its a big concern, but, when we are talking of big fryers, taking into consideration that sometimes the food is breaded (and the amount of oil), the flavor it may pass from one food to another isn’t completely batel?
Let’s put the next question on its own post.
Otherwise you are correct.
There’s no black-and-white rule here. Avoid pornography and things you know are harmful, but there’s no clear prohibition on watching normal movies, listening to music, or going to museums. Try to keep things healthy and balanced for yourself and your family.
With non-Jewish friends, the old prohibitions about drinking or going to parties were made to prevent idol-worship and intermarriage. Today, that’s not really the world we live in, and if you look into halacha carefully, you’ll see that the way we drink and socialize today isn’t what Chazal were talking about.
So be friendly, be respectful, and don’t live in fear. Be proud of who you are, and make good choices about where you go and who you spend time with. Each person should take responsibility and find what’s appropriate for them.
Thank you for your clear explanation! I really appreciate it.
So, basically, for both topics, nowadays there is no clear prohibition but a call for awareness and mindfulness to the way we relate to the world, our friends and the choices we do. Obviously we need to be aware of situations that may lead to actual clear prohibitions, right?
And I have another question that it’s unrelated to the topic. I understand that using the same oil that was used to cook something non Kosher, to cook something Kosher in the same frying pan its a big concern, but, when we are talking of big fryers, taking into consideration that sometimes the food is breaded (and the amount of oil), the flavor it may pass from one food to another isn’t completely batel?