Is it a sign from Hashem if a Jew is 'confronted' with Christian figures/holidays, or should one think about how to avoid such situations?
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Hello! If a Jew is asked 'how did you celebrate Easter?' (literally referring to the birth of their Christian Jesus or whatever, well, the point is clear, oh my...), is this a sign from Hashem? Is something wrong? Should something be changed within oneself? Thank you in advance!!! If you answer, I will be immensely grateful!
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
As a general rule, we should avoid any kind of 'signs' and 'hints' that you mention in connection with being asked: 'How did you celebrate Easter?'
Let's refer to the sources: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) provides examples of omens that people might rely on as predictions or advice, such as food falling from one's mouth or a deer crossing the road. However, such omens are forbidden and considered empty. Rambam rules that relying on such signs is prohibited (Laws of Idolatry 11:5). There are other sources, but this is enough to understand that in most cases, such 'signs' are forbidden by the Torah.
Now, returning to your question. I see no reason to assume that the question 'How did you celebrate Easter?' means anything other than 'How was your holiday?' We should not be concerned whether the person meant the Christian Easter or not.
I also do not quite understand what you mean by asking if it was a 'sign from Hashem'. There is nothing positive that a Jew can derive from anything related to Christian influence or origin.
Therefore, do not pay attention to such 'signs' or 'omens'. Live according to the Torah and the commandments, and you will never have a reason to worry about such things.