Question:
We are in the process of renovating our house. There are a couple of windows in our front entry way that we never use, can we replace the windows with a clear piece of glass?
Answer:
Yes, you can replace them with glass.
Sources:
The concern here is due to the Will of Rav Yehuda Hachasid who states not to close up windows, This Will is not in fact halacha and some communities have accepted it’s restrictions while others have not.
Because this concern is kabbalistic in nature, the Chazon Ish ruled that even one who wished to be stringent only needs to do so when the criteria are identical to that of the Will. With any change in circumstance we will not apply the Will. The expalnation given for this issue, is that certain spiritual forces [sheidim] need to pass through the entrances and when they are closed up they can bring damage to the home or people in it. Based on this various leniencies have been accepted in this matter: if there is another window on that wall one can close one of the windows, if one closes the window and builds a new one in close proximity, or if the window was never opened anyway it may be sealed. This was the opinion of Rav Belsky. See also Shevet Halevi 10:166 in the name of the Chazon Ish.
