Q. I’m a patient of a great and noble surgeon, who has practically saved my life on a number of occasions. As the Holiday season approaches, his staff and patients, plan to make for him a well attended Christmas party that include a Christmas tree, surrounded with presents contributed by all. I was asked not only to contribute but also to say words of appreciation in his honor. I’m religious, and have never attended such a party. Is this case an exception due to the issues involved?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you can send a very appreciative gift to him. In this particular case you can claim that you will be out of town and unable to physically attend since ‘Mutar leshanos mipnei Hasholom,’ (one may deceive for the sake of maintaining the peace).
As you mentioned in you call that you are the CEO of a great company, you may send an important representative to attend in your place and read a heartfelt message in your name.
See question 694 in regard to attending a New Years party organized by the company one works for.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a