("Law of the Gentile"). Term denoting various alien practices which Jews are forbidden to imitate. This prohibition is based on the Scriptural injunctions not to "copy the practices" of heathen neighbors or to "follow their laws" (Lev. 18:3), which are denounced as abhorrent (Lev. 20:23); to "beware of being lured into their ways" (Deut. 12:30); to keep away from their Idolatry and Superstitions (Jer. 10:2ff.); and to obey God's commandments rather than "the ordinances of the nations around you" (Ezek. 11:12). In the Talmud, such pagan customs are known as darkhéi ha-Emori ("the ways of the Amorites") and numerous examples, ranging from alien beliefs to non-Jewish dress, are provided (Shab. 67a-b; Sanh. 74a-b). However, whereas the rabbis condemned all practices and superstitions that were unmistakably idolatrous or that might foster immorality, they were more lenient with regard to prevalent social customs and folkways which had no obvious roots in idol worship. Thus, Gentile practices linked with healing the sick were excluded from the general ban (Shab. 67a).
The concept of darkhé ha-Emori was reinterpreted in the Middle Ages, owing to new social realities in Christian and Muslim lands. Rashi, commenting on Leviticus 18:3, saw it as applying to non-Jewish forms of public entertainment ("theaters and horse races"); Maimonides, however, extended it to include not only Witchcraft and sorcery, Astrology, and the creation of hybrids (Guide 3:37) but the copying of Gentile dress and hairstyles as well (Yad, Akkum 11:1-3). Halakhic authorities reemphasized the prohibitions against Cremation and embalming, the mutilation or castration of animals, use of consecrated "libation" Wine, the wearing of Sha'Atnez (interwoven wool and linen), etc., not only because these had a biblical mandate but also to preserve Jewish distinctiveness. Even the practice of Kapparot on the eve of the Day of Atonement was denounced as un-Jewish by Solomon Adret, Naḥmanides, and Joseph Caro.
In modern times, any custom which rabbis think observant Jews should avoid is termed ḥukkat ha-Goy. Traditionalists therefore consider the innovations of Reform Judaism (bareheaded worship, the abolition of separate seating for men and women, the playing of an organ, and vernacular prayers in the synagogue) to come under this heading. Even within Orthodoxy, however, attitudes have differed. By the 19th century, Jews in Western Europe had adopted modern forms of dress and were often clean-shaven; in Eastern Europe, such changes were fiercely opposed by Ḥasidic Jews (who still cling to an outmoded garb inherited, in fact, from the Polish gentry), but gradually accepted by non-Ḥasidic Mitnaggedim. Furthermore, local Custom, "traditional" Jewish Food, liturgical Music, and even synagogue architecture throughout the world have been influenced by the Gentile environment. Currently, hunting for sport and having a Christmas tree in the home would be regarded as examples of ḥukkat ha-Goy, but the laying of wreaths or flowers on a grave (though avoided by observant Jews in the Diaspora) is widely accepted in Israel. Apart from a section of the ultra-Orthodox, therefore, most Jews adopt a pragmatic attitude toward Gentile customs and fashions.
