Q&A: A Toast for the Civil New Year
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
A Toast for the Civil New Year
Question
Is there any halakhic or other problem with participating in such a ceremony at the office?
Answer
In my opinion, no. We all live according to the Gregorian calendar, and it long ago lost its religious significance. It is a point on the timeline, and like any point of reference (a birthday), people celebrate it. People need to break up the flow of time for various reasons.
Discussion on Answer
In my opinion, that still does not rise to the level of a halakhic prohibition. It is not an accessory of idol worship, but folklore.
Another question — what if they put up a Christmas tree there?