Monday, December 24, 2012

Halocho #1010 - Do a Mitzva: Keep your home safe

The Torah says in דברים פרק כב:ח:

 כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ, וְעָשִׂיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ; וְלֹא-תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ, כִּי-יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּוּ

It's a Mitzvah to put a fence around one's roof to prevent people from falling off.

The fence must be at least 10 Tefachim high (80 cm, 2 feet 7½ inches) and must be strong enough that a person can lean on it and not fall. A roof that is never used does not need a fence.

Similarly, any life threatening danger needs preventive protection as appropriate. E.g. a well or pit needs a fence or a cover strong enough to ensure nobody falls in.

For the same reason one may not own a dangerous dog nor a shaky ladder.


Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 190:1,2

- Danny
Monday, 11 Tevet 5773

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