Shalom Da’at Institute Rabbis,
We are afraid to build a sukkah by our house because we have neighbors who don’t like Jews. Is our fear of their ridicule enough reason to relieve us of eating in the succah? The synagogue’s sukkah is half an hour’s walk away.
If the reason for your fear is purely a matter of being mocked, the Shulchan Aruch (Jewish Code of Law) points out that a basic tenet of serving G-d as a Jew is “Do not be ashamed before the scorners …” A Jew should not fear the scorn of a non-Jew, and should be happy that he can fulfill G-d’s will. In many cases, the scorn is only imagined, because actually non-Jews often respect and admire Jews who are faithful to their principles.
However, if there really seems to be a chance that you may come to be physically harmed or enter a life-threatening situation, you should discuss the matter with someone local who is familiar with the situation and can help you assess the seriousness of the threat and obtain police protection if necessary.
If this is not feasible, then fear for life does cancel out other Torah obligations. There is also the option of using the shul sukkah, in such a way that at least the males above bar-mitzva age will eat their main meals there. Snacks are permitted outside the sukkah.
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