Q&A: Sales Representative for a Mixed Summer Camp
Sales Representative for a Mixed Summer Camp
Question
I was offered a job as a sales representative for a mixed summer camp (7th-9th grades). Religiously, it doesn’t feel right to me for several reasons: 1) mixing groups of religious, traditional, and secular kids, 2) mixing boys and girls. (For example, they have an option for mixed prayer services.)
I’m not sure how much this actually bothers me, but I’m worried about normalizing something for myself that maybe doesn’t bother me right now, but I don’t want to become desensitized to it.
I would be glad to hear the Rabbi’s view on the matter.
Answer
From a Jewish law perspective, there is no prohibition. In psychology I have no expertise.
Discussion on Answer
There’s no problem with participating. The question is whether you would fulfill your obligation. If the women are dressed modestly, then in my opinion there is no problem with it, aside from the established custom of praying separately. If there are modesty issues, then one does not recite the Shema or pray in the presence of nakedness.
Is it permitted to participate in a mixed prayer service? Has the Rabbi ever addressed this topic?