Deuteronomy 22:8

דברים כב:ח

Original Text:

כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ וְעָשִׂיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ וְלֹא תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ כִּי יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּוּ:

Translation:

When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone should fall from it.
[JPS translation]

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. According to this text, what is the extent of our personal responsibility to protect others from changes we make to the environment?
2. Would you be guilty if someone fell off your roof if it had a parapet? Why?

Time Period:	Biblical (early ancestors to 165 BCE)
Type:	Legal Text
Categories:	Environment
Keywords:	Property, Negligence, Housing, Damages
Related Texts:	Deuteronomy 22:8
Related Sourcesheets:	Environmental Awareness, Civil/Human Rights, Jewish Perspectives on HIV/AIDS

Submitted By

Sarah Margles

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