Question by aliza: Why shouldn’t Jews attend church even for wedding ceremonies?
Why is it still such a big no-no even if one doesn’t pray?
And what could I say to a good friend of mine who has invited me to her wedding in a church?
Best answer:
Answer by Jeanmarie
Who says they shouldn’t?
That’s just silly.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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I suppose one could consider that idol worship, which is one of the ten do not do’s.
I suspect god is smart enough to figure out you are not turning your back on him (her?, it?) by attending a wedding, and if he isn’t maybe he isn’t worthy of your adoration.
I have seen many Jews attend christian wedding ceremonies, for what it is worth. God didn’t appear to be upset, but what do I know.
Didn’t know this was a no-no. Jewish friends attended my wedding, and were surprised—and pleased—to hear Biblical references that they hear in their synagogue.
don’t you think you should attend your friend’s wedding to support your friend?
It is what’s in the heart and who you worship that matters, that is just common sense.
I know many “jewish” people that attend church services to support their Christian children or to support their Christian spouse.
I know Jews who do, including some atheist ones.
If you’re invited, I’d say go. If it’s the sort of church that likes people to join in, ‘Simon says’ style, you’ll probably not be the only one who doesn’t. You’re going for a wedding, not an indoctrination. If others want to pray, let them.
-atheist
i had no idea that Jewish people did not attend church weddings. perhaps that is true for only some of them, i suppose, as i have a Jewish friend (not a devout Jew by any means) who goes to weddings.
if they don’t, though, i imagine it is because they feel it would be insulting to God for them, a holy people, to be in the presence of a false religion (that’s how they see Christianity). they probably feel we stole their holy book and turned it into a farce. this is just a guess. i love the Jewish people. my Savior, Jesus, was born Jewish and grew up that way.
I would say the real reason it’s a ‘no-no’ is because we talk about Jesus. Some hardcore Jews don’t seem to like him, therefore they don’t want the Jewish community even being in the room when he’s mentioned.
http://www.yctorah.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,1090/Itemid,13/ That should answer your question
One is forbidden to enter a church. Some MO Rabbis permit standing in the ‘social hall’, or ‘lobby’. By Hareidi/Hassidic, it is forbidden to even go into there.
Why? Because Idolatry is practiced there!
When?
Never!
Who?
A Jew.
How?
By not looking inside, or walking inside.
What?
A church.
Where?
A church.
Edit: In Gemara Avodah Zarah 17 it says that one isn’t even allowed to go near the entrance of a house of Avodah Zarah. So explained Tosfot on 17. So explained Rambam on his peirush (Perek 1, Daf 11 Amud 2). And so wrote the Tur (Tur, Yoreh Deah 149). And so wrote Maran (Shulhan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 157). Also the Ritv”a, in his Hidushim (Avodah Zarah 11b). And so wrote the Chid”a (Brit Olam 435), and in (Shirei Bracha, Yoreh Deah 142). So wrote Rav Haim Palagi (She’elot U’Teshuvot, Haim BeYad 26), and he wrote that it’s a very BIG sin. So wrote Rav David Zilberstein (Sh’vilei David 154). So wrote Rabbi Ovadia Hadiah (Yaskhil Avdie, Helek 8-20:56). So ruled the Ram”a (Mapah, Orah Haim 156). Also written in She’elot U’Teshuvot Sha’ar Efraim 24. So wrote the Pre Megadim (Shulhan Aruch, Yoreh Deah’s commentary 65:45).
Rav Ovadia’s final p’sak is that, one can’t go near the entrance, and so is the p’sak of every opinion.
That’s the final P’sak.