Q. I design database tables - like spreadsheet with rows and column headings. For a particular project there is a need for a Holiday table - to know statutory holidays when things are open and closed. This table contains non Jewish holidays (e.g. Dec 25) as well as other statutory holidays like Canada Day.
Are there any issues with maintaining such a table?
A. Maharanm Shick (Y.D. 171), vehemently decrees not to inscribe a non-Jewish date on a matzeivah. He considers it to be the proscribed by the Biblical injunction of "The name of strange Gods you shall not mention" (Shemos 23,13). On the same vein, Maharam Ash, (end of Imrei Yosher, see Tzitz Elezer Y.D. 38) portrays the one who uses non-Jewish dates, as one who disowns and renounces his own traditions and values.
Other Poiskim, however, do not see using the common date as an infringement, since it is not done with the intention of honoring anybody in particular, just as a convenient and conventional system of timing, used worldwide.
Poiskim also advise to use a qualifier, such as L'misparam (to their counting, added to the date. (Darkei Moishe Y.D. 147, Meor Yehoshua 38, Mishmeres Sholom 84, Yabia Omer Y.D. 3,9 et. al.)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is, if possible, one should avoid the use of non-Jewish dates or the name of their holidays. When this is not an option it is permitted. (It is also recommended to use the acronym Xmas, rather than the full name).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a.
Important Numbers
