[Avodah] Al petach beito mabachutz

[Zev Sero]

Dov Kay wrote:

> I hope that I have not misrepresented RMS's position.  RMS gives two reasons 
> why most acharonim hold that we should nowadays light inside.  First, that 
> the "sha'as sakana" method of lighting inside was "instituted" because there 
> would be times when lighting outside would be dangerous.  We therefore all 
> light inside so as to avoid the occurrence of dangers in those situations 
> (and compares this to R. Y Salanter's ruling that everyone should eat on YK 
> during the cholera epidemic in Vilna).

She'elas tam: Who, exactly, "instituted" this?  Where, and how long ago?
Where is this "institution" recorded?  Because the Shulchan Aruch seems
never to have heard of it.  He says to light outside, or in the window
if this is impractical, except "bish'as hasakana".  No mention of an
"institution" that we should always behave as if there were a sakana.
The Rema simply notes "bizman hazeh shekulanu madlikin bifnim", without
mentioning any "institution" mandating this practise, or indeed giving
any reason at all.


-- 
Zev Sero               Something has gone seriously awry with this Court's
zev at sero.name          interpretation of the Constitution.
                       	                          - Clarence Thomas