May One Extend His Deck If Doing So Would Give Him a View Into His Neighbor’s Window ?

Rav Shmuel Honigwachs

Question: With a little effort, Reuven is able to see into his neighbor’s window from his backyard. He now wants to extend the deck in his yard to make room for a large sukkah. From the new deck, he will have a much clearer view of his neighbor’s window. Is he allowed to make this extension?  

Answer: Most Poskim say that even if one could see into his neighbor’s window, if he cannot see into them easily or clearly it is not considered hezek riya. Accordingly, if building a deck would make it easier for him to see in the windows, it would not be permitted. 

While it is a mitzvah to make a nice deck in order to be able to have a nice sukkah, in this case, it would be preferable to find another way to beautify one’s sukkah.