Reply To: Shaking hands with the opposite gender, in Israel

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shkoiach1
Participant

In Israel, if you look religious, most members of the opposite sex will know not to extend their hand. In the rare case that they do extend their hand or if you have to travel to chutz la’aretz for meetings (as I do), I usually say with a smile “Im sorry, I only touch my wife’s hand” – in your case, husband. The woman then usually apologizes to me for being culturally insensitive! When they apologize, I usually say something to the effect of “don’t apologize – I am the crazy one.”. It’s actually a good ice breaker and if you are in sales (as I am) it certainly helps them remember you.

B’hatzlacha.