Question:
Hello, is it chillul Hashem for an orthodox Jew to live on a small boat at a marina due to expenses? It seems quiet but I am wary about the types of people that possibly will be there during the summer. Thank you.
Answer:
Thank you for your question.
I am not familiar with this type of setting, therefore I can only give you some general comments on the subject. In of itself, I don’t see an issue, however regarding chillul Hashem it depends on the individual circumstances. If it is a place that is frequented by people doing illicit things, and it appears that a person who lives there is doing it for illicit reasons, then it might be maris ayin. However, if there are other people who need affordable housing, and they are simply living their just lives there, then it would seem alright. However, to reiterate, I am not familiar with this setting, therefore I can only make general comments. As a side point, living in such a deserted place seems to have a certain risk and danger to it, from encountering the lower levels of society.
Best wishes, and Hashem should send everyone the parnassa that they need in a permitted fashion.
