Cultural faux-pas, and question of the day:

[erinlefey]

[Public]

Last night I was at a party, and was introduced to a gentleman with a beard and cool hat. Typically when I'm introduced to someone, I hug them, and brother, when a economy-size woman hugs you, you know it. I could sense some unease though, and just offered to shake hands. The lovely woman who was introducing us explained that he was an Orthodox Jew, and Orthodox Jewish men cannot touch a woman with whom they are not married. Whups.

Did not know that, and it's nifty to learn, and glad I learned it before I violated a cultural more of his. My question to My Dear Readers is this: Are there any similar cultural differences you've run into socially? What are they and how do you deal with it?

Comments

[erinlefey.livejournal.com]

I can see how you come about this view. I'm not sure I share it. I don't think that the Orthodox men think women are not fully human. I'm not even convinced they see women as LESS. I think it's based in a worldview where men and women inhabit very different spheres. I can see the reluctance to touch women as being very protective and respectful of women.

I don't know if that's the case, as zahav, lj user="purplerifka">, and comodulate are my Judaism experts, rather than me. But I can see it.