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<p>From today's OU Halacha Yomis.</p>
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<strong>Q. I am required to attend a business meeting at a non-kosher restaurant. How do I avoid the issue of
<em>maris ayin</em>?</strong></td>
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<p>A. The general rule regarding <em>maris ayin</em> is that one can avoid the prohibition of
<em>maris ayin </em>if there is a <em>heker</em> (sign) that indicates that the action is permitted. For example, Rama (YD 87:3) writes that one may not cook meat with almond milk, since this gives the impression that one is violating the prohibition of cooking
milk and meat together. This would constitute <em>maris ayin</em>. However, this situation is permitted if one places almonds near the pot, since the almonds will alert a bystander that the milk comes from almonds and not from an animal. Therefore, if one
must enter a non-kosher restaurant, one should do so in a manner that makes it clear that one is entering for business and not for pleasure. For example, one should enter carrying a briefcase or a stack of papers. Rav Schachter,
<em>shlita</em> said that in such an instance it would be preferable to wear a cap instead of a yarmulke. Rav Schachter also said that once seated, one may order a drink
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