Doing Business with Gentiles Before Holidays

Question

Mesechta Avodah Zarah starts out by saying it is forbidden to do business with or repay debt to a gentile 3 days before their holidays because they might show gratitude to their idols. Does that mean it is prohibited to shop at a Christian-owned retail store or pay a bill between December 22-25?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It is a fascinating question! There is a comprehensive article on the Halachically Speaking website about the issue, citing all the various issues and the reasons why we do not follow the ruling of the Talmud today. The article can be read at:
    https://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol10Issue12.pdf?utm_content=llevine%40stevens.edu&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Click%20here%20to%20download%20%26quot%3BDoing%20Business%20with%20non-Jews%20on%20Their%20Holiday%26quot%3B.&utm_campaign=Doing%20Business%20with%20non-Jews%20on%20Their%20Holidaycontent

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team