Dear Rabbi Simon
I am going to a Jewish business networking event this evening. I am shomer negiah and wanted to check what I should do in a business context if a man offers to shake my hand. The observance levels may vary. I want to keep where I am holding but I do not want to hurt or offend anyone if this situation arises.
Many thanks,
Yedidah
Dear Yedida,
As a matter of personal integrity, you should certainly not compromise halakhic principles.
However, in the kind of scenario you describe, there are valid halakhic grounds to be lenient to accept a handshake when someone extends his hand to you. The reasons for leniency include the fact that a handshake in Western culture is a ubiquitous social convention (rather than an expression of affection per se), as well as the public nature of the interaction. The possibility of offending or embarrassing another person should be taken into account.
Just for the sake of completeness, I should mention that there are those who are stringent in this matter even in the situation you describe. However, my opinion is as above.
Enjoy the event this evening. Who knows what worthy people you may meet?
Best wishes,
Rabbi Rashi Simon