Complimenting a Man in a Message | Sheilot

Complimenting a Man in a Message

Question

Is it permissible to write in an email to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law (to my sister-in-law's email) as an expression of gratitude for a favor they did for me "אין עליכם" in plural, or is it a problem because it also refers to the husband who did the favor?

Answer

Hello 

It is advisable to avoid personal compliments to a strange man, and a brother-in-law is considered a strange man in all respects. 

However, a general phrase like "אין עליכם" is usually not interpreted as a personal compliment. 

But if you feel it is too close, write in an even more general way, such as "I am very grateful to you" and the like. 


Answered 23 May 2024 How answers are reviewed
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
About the Rabbi

Source

Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Laws of Marriage, Siman 21, Seif 1
A person must greatly distance himself from women. It is forbidden to wink with his hands or feet and to signal with his eyes to one of the forbidden women. It is forbidden to joke with her, to behave frivolously, etc.

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