KiTetze: Unprotected Roof

Ki Tetze presents rules that ensure social balance within society. That includes the workplace, where we’re to ensure an employee in need gets paid by the day, “before the sun sets” (Deuteronomy 24:15). The Torah Portion also deals with animal rights, such as protecting a mother bird hatching her eggs, “you shall not take the mother with the young” (Deuteronomy 22:6).

In addition, Ki Tetze offers one of history’s earliest building regulations, shining a light on our responsibility within our own homes. We can transform four walls into a home by adding warmth, color, and an intentional atmosphere so it feels somewhat like an oasis in a desert where we long to come home to.

Roofs were typically flat in biblical times and served as an extension of the living space. The Bible mentions numerous examples of rooftops used for social gatherings, like the conversation between Samuel and Saul (1 Samuel 9:25). Peter used a roof as a place to pray (Acts 10:9), while friends created an opening in a roof to lower their paralyzed friend down to Yeshua (Mark 2:4).

In the hot climate, the rooftop provided a cooler alternative for relaxation and evening social gatherings, especially in the evening, and people often slept there during the warmer months. The roof was also used for drying produce, such as figs and grapes, or Rahab’s flax (Joshua 2:6), alongside other daily household tasks.

Especially at a time where roofs were used so extensively, the Torah wisely sought to prevent accidents by requiring a protective fence, “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.” (Deuteronomy 22:8)

Ki Tetze’s commandment to build a safer roof reminds us of the consequences of our actions. Beyond physical safety, this relates to guarding from any type of negligence that creates an unsafe environment where others might stumble or fall.

New Testament

Abraham welcomed desert travelers to his tent for food and refreshment, unaware they were angels. Similarly, Hebrews 13:2 reminds us of our call to hospitality, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Reflection

Ki Tetze requires us to create a safe environment. In modern times we’re encouraged to lean into the ancient wisdom of sharing life together by sharing what’s ours with others by means of a meal or quality time. In an era where it’s so easy to live on our own ‘individual island,’ is there a moment in my week where I can open my home and heart?