Sure there seems a need for a dialogue with this teenager. But in the meantime, I have no problem requiring him to sit at the table with his family, and if he doesn't want to participate in the ritual, observe it respectfully, instead of eating alone in another room. That would just be unacceptable in our house. I think HK's questions re: observing other religious rituals were apt here. And the pledge analogy--no, I don't think the student should be forced to stand in the hallway, or to pledge something he/she doesn't believe. But it is reasonable to ask that the person be present and respectful.
