215. Avoiding Danger

33:7 We should always try to avoid dangerous situations because the Talmud tells us that the rules safeguarding us from danger are more stringent than Torah prohibitions (Chulin 10a). Therefore, one should act even more cautiously when something might be dangerous than when something might be prohibited. For example, one may not walk in a dangerous place, such as under a crumbling wall or on a rickety bridge. One should not go out alone at night or place his mouth into flowing water to drink, since he might swallow something harmful. 33:8 The custom was, at the time of the equinox, to place a piece of iron on food and beverages out of fear of some danger. This precaution was not considered necessary for foods that were cooked, pickled or salted.