Complimenting Non-Jews

From Halachipedia

Source

  1. One is forbidden to give a compliment to a non-Jew.[1]
    1. Some explain that this by all non-Jews except for a ger toshav.[2]
    2. Others explain that this only applies to idolaters[3]

Exceptions

  1. If you may receive benefit in return from the non-Jew, it is permissible to give a compliment.[4]

Links

  1. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz - Lo Sechaneim - Gifts and Compliments to Gentiles
  2. Rabbi Chaim Goldberg - Bein Yisroel L'Nochri Siman 28 page 394

Sources

  1. Avoda Zara 20b quoting Devarim 7:2.
  2. Tosfos Avoda Zara 20a s.v. d'amar. Beis Yosef C.M. 249. Shach Y.D. 151:18. Sma C.M. 249:2 explains that a ger toshav is a person who accepts the sheva mitzvos bnei noach and we are therefore obligated to provide for him if he doesn't have and are allowed to give him gifts. However, one who doesn't abide by the sheva mitzvos can only be sold to
  3. Meiri Avoda Zara 20a and Sefer HaChinuch Mitzvah 426
  4. Taz Y.D. 151:8. Rosh Avoda Zara 1:19 explains that it is not a free gift, but an exchange, similar to a sale