Chanufah can be liberally translated as the prohibition against undeserved flattering. It includes giving undue compliments and praising transgressors. The prohibition also includes endorsing
someone’s inappropriate lifestyle. To flatter anyone with undue praise is, likewise, forbidden. According to many authorities, one who commits chanufah is in violation of a mitzvah of the Torah.
After elaborating on the severity of the practice of chanufah, the Orchos Tzadikim then states when it is proper to give chanufah:
It is a great mitzvah to flatter one’s students and colleagues so that they will learn from him and receive his reproofs to perform mitzvos. Similarly, whenever one knows that by flattering someone that person will be drawn under his influence to fulfill mitzvos … it is a great mitzvah to flatter him in order to bring out the precious from the mundane.
Please click here to continue reading Chapter XIV: Chanufah and Outreach.
Please click here to purchase a copy of the Laws of Outreach.
Please refer to the archives below for the previously published chapters of the Laws of Outreach:
Preface to The Laws of Outreach
Chapter I: The Mitzvos of Kiruv
Chapter II: Kiruv as a Rescue Mission
Chapter III: Categories of Transgressors and Our Obligations Toward Them
Chapter IV: Contemporary Non-Observant Jews
Chapter V: Halachic Applications of Tinokos Shenishbu in our Time
Chapter VII: Invitations for Shabbos
Chapter VIII: Kiruv Through Food
Chapter XI: Male – Female Interactions
Chapter XII: Loving and Hating All in One
Chapter XIII: Tochachah – Giving Rebuke
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