Question
I have been asked by a work colleague why Jews are not able to attend wakes for non-Jewish friends. Am I correct that it is not allowed and if so, why? Thank you very much.
Answer
I am not aware of any stricture preventing a Jew from paying respects to a deceased non-Jewish friend as long as it is not within a non-Jewish house of worship (and there are sometime exceptions to that rule as well).
Best wishes.
