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  • Family and Society
  • Neighbors and Partners

noisy upstairs neighbors

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Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Adar I 2, 5782
Question
our apartment building in jerusalem has very thin floors/ceilings, which causes a lot of noise and vibration from upstairs neighbors to bother us tremendously. the screeching sound from their constantly moving furniture and childern jumping makes our apartment actually vibrate. We have offered them pads to place on the furniture legs, and suggested carpets to stop the screeching, and have asked that the children not jump/run in their apartment, but to no avail. Is there anything we can do halachically for them to mitigate the bothersomeness of their activities. isnt this at least a violation of vahavta lareiacha komacha?
Answer
ב"ה Shalom If I would tell you they definitely can improve their fulfillment of " vahavta lere'acha kamocha" it does not do you any good and it does not remedy the situation. The issue at hand is how to maintain good neighborly relations and still get consideration for your needs. My suggestion would be to find someone with good interpersonal skills who your neighbors will listen to and tell him to explain to them how you are suffering. You should pray that he will be helpful. It may also require you to compromise on certain hours of quite since they have children. Some of your friends or neighbors may have experience with these issues and be helpful. You may also try your community Rabbi to see if he can help and pursue the issue to bring you quiet and peace of mind. Good luck All the best
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