Climb or sit on a table
Recently, I heard that it is not allowed to climb or sit on a table because a person’s table is similar to an altar.
I wanted to clarify, is that really how the law is, or is it just a fabrication by people?
Response
Hello, and my appreciation for your willingness to clarify any issues in accordance with Jewish law.
Well, although it seems that there really isn’t a halachic source for this, since the world tends to be strict in this aspect, it seems that it is not worth being lenient, as this is something strange to many and can lead to a decrease in the fear of God. But since there is no prohibition on this, there is room to be lenient so that the act is not seen by others, and also in cases of necessity [like climbing to fix a burnt-out light bulb and not having a ladder nearby, and not being able to reach it with just a chair] it is permitted to be lenient in these situations.
However, when sacred books are placed on the table, one must be strict even when necessary, and one must admonish those who sit at the table when there are sacred books on it. And on the special table for books, when there are no books on it, it is also allowed, as long as it is not possible otherwise, and if you can place a cloth or something similar on it, it is preferable.
PLEASE NOTE*
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