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 […]
Must one abide by traditions that have no source in Jewish literature-Sichas Nashim Zekeinos & Superstitious practices
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 […]
May a fence be built around one’s roof on Chol Hamoed?
May a fence be built around one’s roof on Chol Hamoed? It is permitted for one to build a fence around his roof on Chol Hamoed in an unprofessional manner [i.e. Maaseh Hedyot].[1] [Some Poskim[2] rule that only if the roof is not Halachically obligated to be fenced, such as […]
Must stairs have a guardrailing?
Stairs-Are stairs which reach a height of 10 Tefachim obligated to be fenced?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that according to those who rule that a ramp is exempt from being fenced so too stairs are likewise exempt from being fenced or have a guard rail placed on their side. This applies […]
Does a porch or balcony need a fence?
Indoor Balcony [i.e. Hallway of upper floor]:[1] The balcony of an upper floor which oversees the lower floor is Biblically obligated to have a wall or fence or guardrail of ten Tefachim placed around it so no one falls off. It is to be placed with a blessing. Porch or […]
Must one place bars on one’s windows?
Windows-Must one place bars on one’s windows?[1] From the letter of the law, there is no intrinsic obligation due to the fencing command to place bars around one’s window to prevent people, such as children, from falling off, and so is the widespread custom to not be particular in this […]
Must a trampoline have a netting around it?
Trampoline-Must a trampoline have a netting around it? Seemingly, from the letter of the law, there is no requirement for a trampoline to have a netting placed around it even if it is higher than 10 Tefachim from the ground.[1] Nonetheless, most trampolines today come with a surrounding netting as […]
Must a stage and the Bima of a Shul contain a railing?
A stage and the Bima of a Shul:[1] A stage or Bima of a Shul which reaches a height of 10 Tefachim from the ground, is ideally to have a guardrail of ten Tefachim high placed around it. Nonetheless, the custom is to be lenient in this matter and not […]
Fencing a swimming pool-The obligation to cover a pit or make a fence around it
Covering a pit or making a fence around it:[1] The negative command against causing blood to spill in one’s home applies both to roofs and for anything else that poses a danger, and that a person can stumble on and die. Thus, one who has a pit [or well[2]] in […]
Chapter 1: The obligation to guard one’s Health and physical safety
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here on Amazon Chapter 1: The obligation to guard one’s Health and physical safety 1. The verses in Scripture:[1] There are various verses in scripture which speak of the idea of guarding one’s life. Some of these verses are interpreted to refer to […]