Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Is a blessing recited upon taking safety precautions:[1] Whenever one does something to remove danger, a blessing is not recited. [Despite this, when a roof is obligated to have a fence or guardrail placed around it, some Poskim rule that a blessing is to be recited, as will be explained […]

Endangering one’s life in order to help save the life of another: The Torah commands us not to stand idle while a fellow Jews blood is being spilled, as the verse states “Lo Samod Al Dam Reiacha.” Rather, one must do all in his capability to save the person’s life. […]

May a blessing be recited over a food which is forbidden to be eaten due to danger?[1] The general rule is that that a blessing is not said upon eating forbidden foods[2], and is likewise not recited over foods which damage the person.[3] Accordingly, one can argue that a blessing […]

The Obligation to abide by all logical and scientifically based dangers: Many of the dangers mentioned in the Talmud and Poskim and recorded in this book, are scientifically based, and logically understood. The reason that they are nonetheless recorded as prohibitions is to teach us that a person does not […]

Ruach Ra’ah:[1] One of the more common supernatural dangers is a danger due to reasons of Ruach Ra’ah, or the evil spirit. The concept of Ruach Ra’ah is mentioned in many areas of the Talmud[2] and Poskim[3], and is the source behind many of the supernatural dangers found in Jewish […]

Segula and supernatural dangers-Ruach Ra’ah, Mazikin, and Shin Daleds [i.e. demons]:[1] A. Introduction:[2] In addition to the natural and scientifically understood risks and dangers that one must beware of, there are also numerous supernatural [i.e. Segula] dangers which one is equally required to beware from. Many such dangers are recorded […]

Warnings of Rav Yehuda Hachassid:[1] Sefer Chassidim in general, and the Tzavah of Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid in particular, is a most valuable collection of superstitious related restrictions and practices that are not based on the Talmud or classic Jewish law, but rather on the world of spiritual medicine. Just as […]

Demons and Mazikin: The existence of Demons is mentioned through scripture[1]  and the Talmud[2] and Poskim.[3] Some even say that the concept of Ruach Ra’ah in Chazal refers demons.[4] Some Rishonim[5], however, held that the entire concept of demons is fiction. However, the Poskim[6] negate this opinion. It is hence […]

Which roofs are obligated in having a fence?[1] Beis Dirah-A roof of a home which is commonly used:[2] A guardrail is only obligated to be established to a roof of a home which is used for living purposes [i.e. Beis Dirah][3], and which its roof space is commonly used [for […]

Sichas Nashim & Superstitious practices:[1] Amongst the many accustomed hazards and dangers found within Jewish tradition, there are some which do not have any source at all, neither in the Talmud or Poskim. Some are not mentioned in any book of Jewish literature and are even accustomed to be followed […]