The Parameters of Adopting a Chumrah (Stringency)

Parameters for Adopting a Chumrah (Stringency)

When Chazal institute a lenient rule, one may not be more stringent than Chazal, as that borders on heresy. The question is raised by poskim: When there is a disagreement among authorities, may one opt to follow the stringent position if the lenient position is the accepted one? 

In a case where there are differing opinions regarding a certain halachah, and the lenient position was accepted, one may opt to take on the chumrah. This is because there is an understanding that although the halachah is to be lenient, there is nevertheless an advantage in being stringent.

However, if the disagreement is regarding the interpretation of a particular pasuk (verse in the Torah), one may not adopt the stringent position if it goes against the halachic ruling; a person who does so is considered an avaryan (one who violates the words of Torah). For example, Beis Shamai interpret the words u’veshachbechah in Krias Shema literally to mean that one must recite the Shema lying down before retiring for the night; Beis Hillel holds that the posuk is telling us that the proper time for reciting the nighttime Shema is when most people lie down to sleep—but one may recite the Shema in any position they wish. Since the halachah is k’Beis Hillel (according to the ruling of Beis Hillel), one may not change positions and lie down in order to conform with Beis Shamai’s ruling.  #342?1

https://halacha2go.com?number=342

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