Deuteronomy 22.8

“When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it.”

1 Corinthians 8.9-12

Here is yet another way that neighbors exercised responsibility for one another’s wellbeing. Since Israelites frequented their roofs for a variety of reasons, a railing was an essential safety measure. Today we put fences around pools and decks, cut back bushes that obstruct the view of traffic, take precautions when burning in the open air, clean the snow and ice off our walks, and enforce other measures that indicate we understand the wisdom and necessity of thinking about others and their wellbeing as part of our civic duty.

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