honoring non-religious

Asked by ben · July 29, 2003 · Ethics

Question

kavod harav What is your opinion about Yeshivot honoring publicly non-religious jews in their dinners ? Isn't this misleading the wealthy into thinking not being shomer shabbat is OK , afterall they are getting honored by the biggest yeshivas! Personally it makes me sick to my stomach . What happened to the mitzvah of tochacha (rebuking)? Thank you for bringing common sense back to Judaism.

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

There is no problem with getting donations from them. If the honor is specific to their generosity to the Yeshiva, it's probably OK. If the honor is general, acting as if he's an OK guy, that is a problem. It's really a tough call. The Yeshiva should ask a qualified Talmid Chacham for guidance. But I know what you're feeling. AA