Sealing Windows or Doors

What is the Source for Not Closing Up Doors and Windows?

Rabbi Yehuda HaChossid writes in his tzavaah (will) that one should not completely close up doors or windows in one’s home.  If one wishes to close up a door or a window, they should make sure to leave a small round opening, about a tefach and a half (4.5-5 inches). This can be accomplished by inserting a narrow tube, open at both ends, through the opening, so that it is not totally sealed.  After it’s cemented into place, the ends of the tube may be covered, cemented, and painted. Installing an air conditioner in a window is not considered closing it up, and is permitted.

It’s important to note that the Arizal said that one should have many windows in one’s home. Since windows allow a view of the shamayim (the heavens)—which brings about yiras Hashem (fear of Hashem) and kedushah (holiness)—the more windows, the more yiras Hashem and kedushah. In the same vein, there is a halachah in Shulchan Aruch that a shul should have windows. #433

https://halacha2go.com?number=433

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.