mdd — Chillul Hashem is actually a complex Halachic discussion, and I have not gone through the sources in many years. However according to the Rambam is his Sefer Hamitzvos, the main inyun of Chillul Hashem IS in front of Jews (certainly in the classical case of Chillul Hashem, and the Halachos of when one must give up one’s life for the sake of Kiddush Hashem — it is the presence of a minyun of Jews that turn the situation into Kiddush Hashem bfarhesia — even if there are many goyim present). According to most sources, Chillul Hashem also occurs when one acts in a way that will cause Goyim to feel that you are behaving in an immoral or unbefitting way (somewhat unclear if it means immoral according to their standards or according to their perception of Torah standards), hence the common use of the term. All agree it would apply to situations such as acting in a rude or inconsiderate manner, etc. But this is not a simple issue, and certainly in a situation like this when it is questionable whether the taanos reflect a violation of any moral code, or if they actually exist (see my previous post). Each individual should consult with their Posek, but are you in fact qualified to say that all Rabbonim who hold it’s not a problem have shvere heteirim? Are you a baki in this inyun of Chillul Hashem? If so, I am not (hey, I’m a lady!),and stand corrected. If not, perhaps be careful about passing such a blanket condemnation on groups of people in Klal Yisroel.
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