Question: I know many non-observant Jews. We work together and we are friends. I am becoming more involved in Judaism and often say “Shabbat Shalom” on Fridays. People are now looking at me like I am a jerk! Should I just say “have a good weekend” since Friday night is Shabbat for me, but not for them?

Answer From Patrick: They are clearly not your friends because they are not as religious as you. Get new friends. Thanks for reading PunkTorah!

Just kidding!

I hear questions like this a lot. The same thing came up on Yom Kippur a few years back.

Do you say “have a meaningful fast” if your friends and family aren’t fasting? Do you go super Politically Correct and say, “I hope that you have the Shabbat you wish to have, if you have decided that this is indeed Shabbat, and if not, I am sorry if I have offended you. [Read more…]