What makes Ruach Chaim a chumra?
Why is that a factor that would make you more likely to be chayiv?
Are all the chumras of the avos nezikin logical reasons why I should be more likely to be chayiv?
Thank you
Nesanel Fulda, New York, USA
Shalom Nesanel,
It's great to hear from you! Yes, "Ru'ach Chayim" is considered a feature that increases the owner's responsibility. A living creature, by virtue of possessing will, can act destructively on its own initiative. Its behavior is therefore less predictable and more active than that of inanimate property; as a result, it is logical that the Torah requires a higher level of vigilance from the owner. This idea is expressed by the Tiferes Yisrael (Peirush Yachin to the Mishnah).
May you continue to attain greatness in Torah and Yir'as Shamayim!
Bi'Verachah,
Yishai Rasowsky