Avoiding Lifnei Iver when Inviting Guests for Shabbos and Yom Tov
Being involved in kiruv, bringing people closer to Yiddishkeit, often involves inviting not-yet-observant guests for a Shabbos or Yom Tov meal. However, when doing so we need to be concerned with the issues of lifnei iver, causing a stumbling block, mesayei’ah, assisting a person to do something forbidden, or even worse, meisis, enticing someone to do something wrong. If our guests drive on Shabbos or Yom Tov as a result of our invitation, it can be a serious issue. The way to avoid this problem is by inviting them to come before Shabbos or Yom Tov begins and stay over for the entire Shabbos or Yom Tov. They need to be assured that there is a place for them to stay and encouraged to stay over; if they decide on their own not to stay for the entire Shabbos or Yom Tov, we as hosts are not considered to be the cause. Of course, we could alternatively invite them on Chol Hamoed or during the week. When making a public function on Shabbos or Yom Tov, if there is reason for concern that some guests will drive, the Rebbe suggested that we publicize in advance that of course we are not encouraging people to drive, but wish them to walk.