Kosher Kisses

(The Lord said to Aaron: "Go to meet Moses in the wilderness.") He went and met him at the mountain of God and he kissed him.

Our Rabbis of Blessed Memory said: All kisses are frivolous, except for these three (categories of kisses): 1) the kiss of great moments; 2) the kiss of parting; 3)the kiss of reuniting.

1) The kiss of great moments, as it says: "Samuel took a flask of oil and poured some on Saul's head and kissed him, (and said 'The Lord now anoints you ruler over God's own people.'")

2) The kiss of parting, "And Orpah kissed her mother in law (farewell).

3) The kiss of reuniting, as it is says, He wentand met him at the mountain of God and he kissed him.

And some add, the kisses of (blood) relatives are (also) without shame, As it says, "And Jacob kissed Rachel," because she was his relative.

Rabbi Pinchas said: It is told of a brother and sister, one of whom was in Gush Halav, and the other in Beit Maron. A fire broke out in his house in Gush Halav. His sister from Beit Maron came and she fell upon him kissing and embracing him.

She said to him: It is not ordinary for me to come to visit you, but I was afraid, my brother was in danger, and escaped it.

("If only it could be as with a brother, As if you had nursed at my mother's breast:) Then I could kiss you when I meet you outside, (and none would despise me.")