 [Daily Mail, where America gets its news] In some circles that’s what is taught as an acceptable substitute for unwelcome hugging and kissing in moments of strong emotion. Our rabbi used to do that when the bar mitzvah kids came up to start leading the service on their big day — just a moment together, quietly finding their center before it all began — in public, so no one would later accuse him of secretly behaving inappropriately. I believe teachers are supposed to gently pat their students on the shoulder, rather than allow hugging, for the same reason. |