Definition of Ma’akeh מעקה
Rashi
Fence to a roof (physical structure)
Targum
Protection תיק (function of structure)
Ibn Ezra
קום – (place) put a peripheral around this area
עקה – (oppression) protect against potential problems
“he will surely fall” - future tense indicates predestined
Shabbos 32a
From the beginning of Creation this person was fated to fall. If so, why is the homeowner blamed for the death? Meritorious acts come to meritorious people, while unworthy acts come to unworthy people.
Rashi One who is destined to fall – due to sin.
Ibn Ezra Reference to what will occur when one falls, then you would know (in hindsight) that he fell – a figure of speech.
Alshich One should protect others even if he is a sinner (one who is falling due to his sins); if one falls off your roof then you are involved.
Abarbanel Emphasis on the fallen one; this fortifies two basic concepts: Free will yet G-d is fully aware.
Fence only benefits one who might accidently fall (by mistake); but does not help one who is destined to fall, which can not be prevented.
Chinuch HaShem in charge of generals and particulars; all occurs by Divine degree resulting from one’s actions. Nevertheless, one must protect against predictable incidents.
Spiritual Understanding of the Mitzvah
Shaloh
Roof alludes to conceit. Thus, one must put a fence around one’s arrogance or else it would lead to one’s downfall
Blood in your house – always liable for one’s errors
Shach on Torah
New home – one is always in process of building a new home for the next world
Blood (money) – do not define your home in terms of money
Bachaye (Decarte)
(Kabalistic) Roof indicates one in the highest level כתר, in building one’s Divine dwelling, still need to build a fence (never safe); still vulnerable to small mistakes which can have large negative effects
R’ Efraim
Just as one makes a physical fence to one’s roof, so one needs to make a fence to restraint one’s spirit "לגגך" גמטריא "בלבבך"
Maiyan Shel Torah
מעקה ר"ת "הרהורי עבירה קשה מעבירה"
Thoughts of sin are more difficult than sin; one must guard one’s mind
Lubavitcher Rebbe זי"ע
Mitzvah – 2 parts – (negative) make sure no one gets hurt; (positive) put up a fence (even if no chance of getting hurt)
Roof protecting against light (don’t wish to go higher); fence on top of roof allows possibility can obtain greater light in the future
Spiritual Home: Roof-limits: Wall-limits but lets some in: Fence-vehicle to receive more light
Lekutei Torah Need a fence in order not to fall back when making spiritual ascensions
