Q. I attend a daily minyan, that as others do, offers an after Shacharit Kiddush with a drink and mezonot. The attendants before drinking a small cup of liquor, as tradition goes wish each other 'Lechaim', Mal Tov, or if it is aYohrzait, 'The Neshama should have an Aliya'.
On St. Patrick's day, most likely still deep in the Purim 'spirit' an usual attendant offers every year a green full bottle of Irish (kosher) liquor. and with a very comical smile, pours a drink to all and wishes a ' Freilechen, (happy) St. Patrick's day'. We all understand that it is only a humorous act, but is it permitted in a shul? I do not want to insult him by refusing the drink or the Lechaim. What is the proper thing to do?
A. Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (for provincial government employees), and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
From the present day literature explaining the meaning of the day, it seems that in most or the many places mentioned it is not anymore a religious commemoration but a cultural and national identity day.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is, that since it still has a strong religious identity in Catholic communities and special services are offered on the day for many, to avoid insulting the fellow who brought the bottle in “good spirit”, one should answer warmly: “Lechaim to all the Tzadikim, Kedoishim and survivors from this and other similar “Holy days,” Lechaim Tovim Ulesholom.”
See also questions 3390 in regards to Thanksgiving Day, 3494 and others regarding wishing a New Year.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a,Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
Important Numbers
