Non-Jewish Neighbors
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Question
Hello, in our building lives a family: parents and two children. It turns out they are non-Jews. What is forbidden or allowed for us as neighbors in communicating with them? Is it allowed to show interest in them? Compliment them? Start a conversation? Give them gifts?
Answer
Hello and blessings
It is not advisable to develop friendships, but only to maintain basic proper neighborly relations.
According to the prohibition of 'לא תחנם', it is forbidden to give free gifts.
However, what is necessary to maintain proper neighborly relations is permitted. This is not considered a free gift, but rather a 'give and take' relationship.