NEW YORK (VINnews) — A social media post by popular columnist and former attorney Jill Filipovic criticizing an Orthodox Jewish religious practice sparked a heated online debate this week, drawing more than 1 million views and thousands of comments, many defending the custom.

Filipovic wrote that during her years as a lawyer she occasionally encountered Orthodox Jewish men who declined to shake her hand because of their religious beliefs. While acknowledging they had the right to follow their faith, she said she found the practice offensive and described it as sexist.

Back when I was a lawyer I would sometimes meet religious Jewish male lawyers who would refuse to shake hands with me and other women. I honestly found it really off-putting and offensive and so did many others. It’s certainly their right to refuse a handshake. But other people… https://t.co/z9TC81c5sG

— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) June 29, 2026

The post quickly generated thousands of responses, with many users explaining that the practice, known as shomer negiah, is rooted in Orthodox Jewish religious law, which discourages physical contact between unrelated men and women. Defenders noted that observant women who follow the practice similarly avoid physical contact with unrelated men.

Many commenters said declining a handshake is an expression of religious observance rather than disrespect toward women, adding that observant Jews often substitute a verbal greeting, nod or other courteous gesture.

Others argued that avoiding physical contact in professional settings can also reduce the risk of misunderstandings or allegations of inappropriate conduct. Critics of that argument responded that the custom should be understood in its religious context and cautioned against linking it to assumptions about false accusations.

The exchange prompted a broader discussion on social media over the balance between religious freedom, workplace etiquette and gender equality, with users divided over whether declining a handshake on religious grounds should be viewed as a protected religious practice or as discriminatory behavior.