The Jewish Book of Why by Natalie Faye

Natalie Turner
Jewish Thought and Practice
The Second Jewish Book of Why
Why are some practices banned or discouraged in Jewish Law simply because they may give the wrong impression?
Most religious Jews will refrain from putting out Margerine (purely vegetable based) out at a meat meal even though this would in no way be braking Kosher laws. In the same way, a non-dairy creamer for coffee is often not put out on the table during a meat meal. The reason for this is not because it breaks Kosher rules and regulations, but it is done for the Gentiles sake so that he or she will not be confused.
Why are some non-Jews offended when Jews use the abbreviated form “Xmas” for “Christmas”?
The use of “Xmas” was first used as an abbreviation for the word “Christmas” in order to save writing space. Many Jewish people have continued to use “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” because Christmas contains the word Christ. The word Christ to a Jewish person is like nails on a chalk board. The words Christ, Christian, Church and Cross were symbols of the Crusaders who massacred Jews in Europe all in the name of Christ.
Why did Christians change the day on which the Sabbath is observed from Saturday to Sunday?
The answer is simple; Anti-Semitism. The church split off from its Jewish roots “asserting independence” during the persecution of the Jews in Europe. The Roman emperor Constantine made this change official replacing what God had commanded in Deuteronomy.
Why do some Jews place a hand on their heads before drinking or eating?
If a religious Jew cannot find his Kippah in time to say the blessings, he places his hand on his head to remember that he is below the Almight God. However, some Rabbi’s would not agree that the Yam (hand) can serve as a head covering because, “one part of the body cannot serve as a covering for another part.”