Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

The verse of Vinishmartem Meod Lenafshoseichem: Some Poskim[1] rule that the verse [Devarim 4:15] of Vinishmartem Meod Lenafshoseichem refers to the guarding of one’s life from dangers, and hence one who enters himself to a dangerous situation transgresses this command. However, this verse is omitted from most Poskim [including Admur, […]

The reason Hashem commanded us to guard our souls, and health:[1] Hashem created the world for a purpose, which is to provide creatures with an opportunity to recognize G-d’s greatness and to serve him through observing His Torah and Mitzvos. Now, one who is lax with his life and safety […]

How does the concept of Hashgacha Pratis and the law of not endangering one’s life coincide:[1] We are taught that it is an absolute prohibition to enter ourselves into danger and rely on miracles. The reason for this is because G-d does not always perform a miracle for a person, […]

Does the obligation and prohibition only apply by matters of potential danger of life, or even against matters that can cause non-lethal injury?[1] Although from some Poskim[2] it is implied that the obligation and prohibition is only to guard oneself from lethal danger, and not simply to nonlethal injury, nonetheless, […]

Is the danger physical, for the body, or spiritual, for the soul: It is possible that by some of the Rabbinically enacted dangers, the dangerous effect is not to the physical body, but rather to the soul.[1] For example, it is possible that not guarding the danger can suddenly cause […]

Why are gentiles not affected by these dangers?[1] We find that many of the recorded dangers in the Talmud which are followed only by Jews and not Gentiles do not seem to negatively affect the health of Gentiles. The reason for this is not because these recorded dangers are in […]

Sakanta Chamira Mei’issura-Being more careful in matters of danger than in Halachic prohibitions:[1] One must beware of all matters that can endanger one’s life, being that a dangerous matter is even more severe than a forbidden matter and one is to suspect more for a possible dangerous matter then for […]

Doing a dangerous activity for recreational purposes:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that it is forbidden for one to enter himself even into a slight level of danger, for unnecessary purposes, such as for a hobby and recreation. [According to this approach, it should be forbidden to drive, fly, climb a tree, […]

Chovel Beatzmo-The prohibition against damaging or injuring one’s body:[1] It is [Biblically[2]] forbidden to hit one’s body[3], or to embarrass it[4], or to pain it in any form of pain as a person does not have possession over his body at all to be allowed to do so.[5] Thus, it […]

The prohibition against committing suicide:[1] It is forbidden to commit suicide and one who does so is guilty of murder, as the verse[2] states “Veach Es Dimchem Lenafshoseichem Edrosh.” [From this verse we learn that one who kills himself, G-d will demand his soul from his hand in the future.[3] […]

The obligation to guard one’s memory:[1] It is a biblical prohibition for one to forget his Torah learning.[2] Numerous hazards recorded in the Talmud and Poskim are due to that lack of keeping them can damage one’s memory of his Torah learning. This is known as “Kasha Leshichicha.” Nonetheless it […]

The obligation to guard one’s health:[1] It is a Mitzvah for one to lead a healthy life and guard his health in order so one be healthy and strong to serve G-d. Accordingly, it is forbidden for one to oppress his body.[2] Likewise, one is obligated to beware of his […]

The obligation to guard one’s wealth: Numerous hazards recorded in the Talmud and Poskim are due to the lack of keeping them can cause one to lose one’s livelihood. This is known as “Kasha Leaniyus.” Nonetheless it is not clear if a person is obligated to be careful to adhere […]

The rule of Dashu Bah Rabim and Shomer Pesaim Hashem:[1] In Tehillim[2] that is a verse which states “Shomer Pesaim Hashem” which is interpreted to mean that God guards the fools, those who are too ignorant to guard themselves.[3] This verse is recruited in the Talmud[4] and Poskim[5] to defend […]

1. Must one abide by all the health directives and safety hazards recorded in the Talmud?[1] *See the Introduction regarding if one must abide by all of the restrictions recorded in our Sefer. Below we will discuss specifically the hazards recorded in Chazal.  The general rule:[2] There are many matters […]

Entering sakana for the sake of a Mitzvah-Shomer Mitzvah Lo Yada Davar Ra’ah:[1] It is permitted for one to enter himself into slight danger [i.e. low risk danger] for the sake of fulfilling a Mitzvah, as the verse[2] states that one who guards a Mitzvah will know no evil.[3] It […]

Entering Sakana for the sake of Parnasa:[1] According to all, it is permitted for one to slightly endanger his life for the sake of Parnasa, making a livelihood. Thus, one may go hunting despite the risks that it carries. Likewise, one may travel by ship for the sake of business […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]