On the first day of 9th grade at our Jewish day school, the principal opened the welcome assembly with a passage from Deuteronomy 22:8:
He explained that this commandment wasn’t just about constructing a fence; it was a metaphor for the boundaries we should set for ourselves in high school — to ensure we don’t fall into bad habits, neglect our responsibilities, or blur the lines in our relationships.
This commandment, requiring a fence on the roof, appears straightforward at first glance — a practical safety measure to prevent falls. However, like many biblical teachings, it carries a deeper meaning that transcends its literal interpretation. The Torah often employs symbolism, and this particular instruction about building a fence around one’s roof speaks to a broader lesson about the importance of setting boundaries in our lives.
The commandment to build a parapet on a roof is not merely a practical guideline; it’s a statement about human responsibility. In ancient Israel, flat roofs were often used as additional living spaces. A roof without a fence posed a danger to anyone who might accidentally step too close to the edge. This teaching reminds us that we are responsible not only for our actions but also for the environment we create for others.
This principle extends beyond physical safety to emotional and moral integrity. In life, boundaries help us protect not just our own well-being but also the well-being of those around us. By setting clear expectations in our personal or professional relationships, we help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. When we establish limits on our time or energy, we avoid burnout and maintain our ability to support those we care about.
While the Torah often focuses on communal values and collective responsibility, its teachings also encourage individual growth and self-awareness. Setting boundaries is one way we cultivate this self-awareness. A fence on the roof isn’t just a physical structure; it represents the invisible lines we draw to define our limits, needs, and values.
The principle behind the commandment suggests that a fence is built not because harm is certain but because it is possible. It acknowledges human fallibility and the potential for accidents. Similarly, when we set personal boundaries, we recognize our vulnerabilities and prepare ourselves to avoid pitfalls before they occur.
Another significant example of a boundary in the Torah is the Sabbath. The fourth commandment instructs to “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”
This commandment establishes a sacred boundary in time, separating the workweek from a day of rest and reflection.
The Sabbath boundary, like the fence on the roof, serves as a protection — not from physical falls, but from the potential pitfalls of constant work and materialism. By setting aside this time, it creates a space for family, community, and spiritual connection. This weekly observance serves as a reminder that human worth is not determined solely by productivity, but by our essential humanity and our relationship with the divine.
While the idea of boundaries might seem restrictive, it is, in fact, an expression of care. When we set boundaries, we affirm that our well-being matters and that we deserve to protect ourselves from harm. This approach extends to others as well.
Building a fence on a roof is an act of consideration for those who will occupy that space. It acknowledges that people — even those we trust — can make mistakes. It’s a preventive measure that communicates care and foresight. Similarly, when we set boundaries in our personal lives, we communicate respect for ourselves and for those around us.
The fence building commandment is not just about the laws of construction — it’s about understanding the constructive importance of foresight and accountability in every aspect of our lives. Setting boundaries is about creating frameworks that keep us safe and allow us to thrive. It’s about acknowledging our limitations and taking proactive steps to prevent harm.
Moreover, boundaries help us focus on what truly matters. By setting limits, we create space for the things that are most important to us, whether it’s our relationships, our spiritual growth, or our personal well-being. They help us prioritize and make conscious choices about how we spend our time, spend our energy, and create healthy environments to learn and grow in our lives and in our faith.
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