Non-Observant Parents

My parents are converts to Christianity. I grew up Christian and did Teshuva in March. As a result, I have not been in contact with them for several months . I’m going back to my home town tomorrow and I don’t have any option but to stay with them. The conditions of me staying with them are that I cannot be outwardly Jewish, either in the house or when in public either them. This means I can’t wear a kippah, tzittzit or dress the way I normally do. I’m also concerned about Shabbos. What do I do? Should I try to find somewhere else to stay (there’s not anything immediately available) or should I try to navigate that? Is it permissible for me to follow those specific guidelines?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

We are proud of you that you came back to your roots and are observing the Torah.

If you have no option but to stay by them, you would have to keep to their rules, as long as those rules do not violate Torah law.

If you can’t wear a kippa – wear a cap. If they don’t want to see your tzitzit then tuck them in.

As mentioned, you cannot violate Torha law, so your Shabbat observance cannot be compromised. I am unsure how you would be forced to violate Shabbat in your parent’s home but feel free to ask individual questions. But again, if for some reason Shabbat must be violated by staying there, then it would be forbidden to do so.

Allow me to remind you to be aware of the many kosher related issues that can arise. Feel free to write back with specifics.

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