Handshake for a woman
Hello Rabbi!!
What is your opinion on shaking hands with a woman from a halakhic perspective? Is there room for permission in certain cases, etc. ? I am in an extended family where hugging and kissing are customary, and it is very awkward to stand in the corner, and what should I do if someone offers a handshake? Can I even initiate a handshake?
I usually press if I think it will embarrass her. If she understands and is considerate, I am very happy and do not press. If everyone knows that you are not doing this because of anything against them but because of the Halacha, I do not see it as a problem. Certainly if you can make this clear to them.
In the background is the question of forbidden reflections. If it is clear to you that forbidden reflections will not arise, then there is room for leniency. And with regard to relatives, this is usually the situation nowadays.
What about the prohibition of niddah? Most women nowadays are niddah, and this is from the Torah?
Why is this from the Torah? Why does Nida hate other fornications and the wife of another man?
When I was in the US, a Rabbi from Monsey who taught me (strictly Haredi) explained that the forbidden touch is a touch of affection - irrelevant in situations like a cashier returning change or a handshake, which is a formal act.
It seems that especially in professional meetings with Gentiles, one should consider the bad explanation of prohibiting because of "touching" versus desecrating the "God". Does this align with your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the people who will hear all these laws and say, "This great nation is only a wise and intelligent people?"
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