Building a Fence Around One's Roof

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  1. There is a positive Torah command to build a fence on the roof of a house that’s used for living,[1] however, a building used for storage or animals doesn’t require a fence on the roof. [2]
  2. Shuls and Batei Midrash are exempt from putting a fence on the roof since these buildings aren’t meant for living. [3]
  3. The fence on the roof must be ten tefachim (86 centimeters) and strong enough so it would prevent someone from falling. [4]
  4. Some say that there’s no obligation for a slanted roof. [5]
  5. If one has a pit in one's property one must erect a fence of ten Tefachim around it or cover it up so that someone doesn't fall in.[6]
  6. The beracha of asher kidshanu bimitzvotav vitzivanu laasot maake is recited when building the fence. [7]

References

  1. Based on the pasuk Devarim 22:8 כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ֣יִת חָדָ֔שׁ וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ מַעֲקֶ֖ה לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ, Sefer Hachinnuch 546, Rambam Sefer Hamitzvot Aseh 184, Sefer HaMitzvot Hatatzar of the Chofetz Chaim 77
  2. S”A C”M 427:1, Kitzur S"A 190:1
  3. S”A C”M 427:3 based on gemara chullin 136a
  4. S”A C”M 427:5, Kitzur S"A 190:1
  5. See Mishneh Halachot 4:243, Yalkut Yosef (Chupah VeKiddushin pg 669)
  6. Kitzur S"A 190:1
  7. Rambam Berachot 11:8