Hands Off!
I had occasion to meet with a venerated queen. As we were being introduced, she stuck out her hand in order to shake mine, as is accepted throughout the gentile world. But tzeniut and halachah dictate that a man may not have physical contact with a strange woman. I politely declined her outstretched hand.
The truth is that initially, I was embarrassed. It is highly unpleasant to rebuff a motion of goodwill, especially from such a venerated figure. Moreover, I was afraid the queen would be insulted or even angered at my flagrant disrespect.
In spite of my discomfort, I knew that I would never yield to such an act. Hashem is the King of the world. He commanded us to uphold the principles of tzeniut and forbade even a handshake with a strange woman. I received Divine assistance in my determination, as we are told (Makkot 10b), “In the way in which man wishes to go, he is led.”
Not only was the queen unperturbed by my refusal to shake her hand, but she respected me for maintaining my morals. She even apologized for perhaps insulting my sensitivities.
