[Halachically Speaking appears on YWN weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays]�
Written by Rabbi�Moishe Dovid Lebovits of�KOF-K Kosher Supervisio
There is a major dispute among the�poskim�whether or not today�s modern day bathrooms are considered to be like the bathrooms of earlier times. Ealier style toilets did not retain waste materials and were known as �parsoy.�[1]�In present day toilets the waste remains until it is flushed away. Nonetheless, many�poskim�say that our bathrooms are considered the same as the olden style bathrooms and one can be lenient in regard to the�halachos�that apply.[2]�However, most�poskim�argue.[3]�Therefore, in case of necessity one can rely on the lenient view, but�l�chatchilah�our bathrooms do not have the status of the bathrooms of �parsoy.�[4]�There are many�poskim�who maintain that�halachos�pertaining to a room that only has a shower are more lenient than a full bathroom containing a toilet. This style bathroom is not common in the United States.[5]
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Two People Walking In At One Time
It is not modest for two people to go into the actual area where the toilet is.[6]�There is no concern however to enter the bathroom two at a time. It is very common that a young child who is first learning to use a toilet needs a parent to help him in the process. The�poskim�say if a young child is afraid to go in by himself one is permitted to accompany him.[7]�Some�poskim�are lenient and permit two women to enter an area where there is a toilet,[8]�while others are stringent in this regard.[9]
Talking
Many people have a habit of talking while in the bathroom (even when one is not actually �using the toilet�). However, this practice is forbidden. Many�poskim�maintain that talking in the bathroom is not allowed if it is not a great�tzorech�when one is not using the toilet.[10]�Some people take the phone in the bathroom and talk to their friends without thinking anything is wrong with it, but this should not be done.[11]�When one is giving their child a bath and they are there for an extended period of time then talking is permitted.[12]�When one is using the toilet talking is forbidden.[13]�If one is expecting an important phone call and one could lose a lot of money by not answering the phone then some�poskim�are lenient.[14]�One should be careful not to talk to anyone in the bathroom since it might cause the one in the bathroom to talk back to you.[15]
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Closing The Door To The Bathroom
When one is using the toilet one should close the door behind him.[16]�This�halacha�applies even during the night when it is dark and also when one is home alone.[17]�If there is a bad odor it is permitted to open the door to air out the bathroom.[18]
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Entering A�Bathroom For Other Purposes
When a bathroom is used for other purposes i.e. to brush one�s teeth, comb hair or get a tissue etc, the question arises whether one is required to wash one�s hands before leaving the bathroom? When one enters the bathroom in the aforementioned situations he should wash one�s hands upon exiting.[19]However, one is not required to wash one�s hands three times and no utensil is necessary.[20]�Some are stringent and wash three times.[21]�After using the bathroom many people are accustomed to washing their hands in the bathroom sink. However, it is not preferable to wash one�s hands in the bathroom.[22]�If however one would have to go downstairs to wash, then one may wash in the bathroom sink. In a situation where one was going down anyway then one should wash downstairs.[23]�Even if one is only taking a child to the bathroom it would seem one should wash his hands.[24]
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After one uses the bathroom he should not touch a�sefer�before he washes his hands.[25]�One may touch his face before washing his hands.[26]�Some�poskim�say that one should not touch any food before washing one�s hands.[27]
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Washing Hands For�Davening/ Or Before A Meal In The Bathroom Sink
Horav Moshe Feinstein zt�l�maintains that one may only wash one�s hands in the bathroom for�davening�if there is no other place to wash, and the drying should be done outside.�Horav Moshe�did not permit one to wash one�s hands in a bathroom before a meal.[28]�Other�poskim�argue with this and maintain that it is permitted.[29]
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Placing Hand Into The Bathroom To Turn Off The Lights
In the common situation where one does not enter the bathroom with his entire body, but rather places his hands in the bathroom just to turn off the light etc. one would�not�have to wash his hands according to most�poskim,�[30]�while others argue.[31]�If one stuck in one hand inside then only one hand needs to be washed.[32]�While others say that both hands should be washed.[33]
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Bringing Food Into A Bathroom�
Initially, one should not bring any food into the bathroom even if it is covered.[34]�However, the�poskim�say that if food was brought into the bathroom the food may still be eaten.[35]�One may walk into a bathroom with a pill in his pocket.[36]�Some�poskim�suggest that if possible the food should be washed off prior to eating it.[37]�One is permitted to keep medicines in a medicine cabinet that is in the bathroom.[38]�One may not eat or drink in a bathroom.[39]�Based on this no�bedikas chometz�is required in a bathroom for food.[40]�Some say one is permitted to drink water from the faucet in a bathroom (one should obviously recite the�beracha�outside).[41]
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On A Train, Airplane, And Boat
Many�poskim�say that a bathroom on a train, airplane or boat does not have the same status as a bathroom in one�s house or office (because it is comparable to the bathroom of�parsoy, but it would depend on the specific airplane etc). Therefore, one who exits from there without going to the bathroom would not be required to wash his hands. One may wash his hands for a meal there.[42]�All other�halachos�apply.
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Bringing�Seforim/Tapes/ Jewish Newspapers/ Books Into The Bathroom
One should not walk into the bathroom with a small�Mincha�and�Maariv�in his pocket or other�devarim sh�bekedusha, if it is not covered with at least one covering.[43]�Some are of the opinion that the�sefer�should have two coverings before walking into the bathroom with it.[44]�There is a discussion in theposkim�whether or not the cover of the�Mincha�and�Maariv�siddur�may be considered like one covering.[45]�One may place the�siddur�etc. in one�s pocket and then enter the bathroom.[46]�Some say it is only permitted if ones jacket covers his pocket.[47]�Others hold that one may place a�davarsh�be�kedusha�in ones jacket pocket (inside pocket) and it is considered two coverings.[48]�One�s shirt pocket is considered a covering.[49]�The U.S. dollar bills that say �In G-d we trust� may be brought into the bathroom even without any cover.[50]�One is permitted to bring�divrei Torah�tapes into the bathroom.[51]�Obviously one may�not�listen to these tapes there because then one will think in learning.[52]�A newspaper that contains�divrei Torah�should not be brought into the bathroom.[53]�Some say that it can be brought in as long as the page with�Hashem�s�name is not opened in the bathroom, since the pages of the paper are considered a covering.[54]�Since one might get�divrei hisorerus�from a biography of a�gadol�one may not bring it into the bathroom.[55]�Other books would be permitted if they do not contain�halacha,�mussar�etc.[56]�
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Thinking�Torah�Thoughts In A Bathroom
One is not allowed to think in learning while he is in a bathroom.[57]�Rather one should think about his business dealings etc.[58]�On�Shabbos�since one should not think about business one should think about buildings.[59]�If one has learning on his mind all the time then he is considered an�o�nes�and thinking in learning is permitted.[60]�If one is using the bathroom and a thought about a certain lady comes into his mind then he may think in learning.[61]�Sometimes the bathroom of a�shul�is situated in such a way that one hears�devarim sh�be�kedusha�while in the bathroom. In this situation one is considered an�o�nesand thinking in learning is permitted.[62]�It would seem that one may think in learning if one passed gas.[63]�One is forbidden to think about�Hashem�in the bathroom.[64]�There is a discussion in the�poskim�whether or not one is permitted to think about learning while he is in the shower (when there is no toilet in the room).[65]�Some�poskim�say it is permitted for one to think in learning in a room that only has a tub.[66]
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Standing vs. Sitting
Horav Moshe Feinstein zt�l�says that one is permitted to stand at a urinal when going to the bathroom as there are�mechitzas�around the urinal.[67]�Others say since one is supposed to close the door when using the bathroom one should not use a urinal rather he should sit when using the bathroom.[68]
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Using Public Toilet Paper
The question arises when using a public bathroom whether one may place toilet paper to cover the toilet seat twice, or since it is public paper, should one only use an amount of toilet paper that would cover the toilet seat once.�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita�maintains that one is permitted to use the amount of toilet paper it takes to cover the toilet seat at least two times.[69]
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Beracha�On A Air Sanitizer
A�Birchos Ha�re�ach�is not recited on a spray that is used to remove any bad odor emanating from a bathroom.[70]�There is no concern with using an air sanitizer on�Shabbos.[71]
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Using A Plunger On�Shabbos
There is a discussion in the�poskim�whether or not one may use a plunger on�Shabbos. One should consult with his�Rov�in this situation, since it would depend on how badly the toilet is stuffed, and if another toilet is available.[72]
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Toilet Deodorizer
There is a discussion in the�poskim�whether one may use a colored toilet deodorizer on�Shabbos. Some�poskim�say it is considered dyeing (coloring) on�Shabbos.[73]�While others say there is no concern.[74]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita�maintains if the deodorizer is in the back of the toilet then one may use it on�Shabbos, while if it is in the toilet bowl itself then it is considered coloring on�Shabbos�and may not be used.�L�chatchilah�the toilet deodorizer should be taken out before�Shabbos.[75]�If the toilet deodorizer was not taken out before�Shabbos�then some�poskim�permit one to take it out on�Shabbos.[76]
Davening�Opposite A Bathroom
On an airplane the�minyanim�are made in the back of the plane near the bathroom. The question arises whether or not one is allowed to�daven�there since it is opposite the bathroom. This is very common when saying�asher yotzar�after using the bathroom. Many�poskim�maintain that it is permitted.[77]�(Some say that one should not�daven�in the back of the airplane since people pay for the seat, and when they have to use the bathroom it causes a�chillul Hashem�since it is very crowded and people cannot get to the bathroom).[78]
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Having A Bathroom In One�s House
Horav Yehuda HaChassid�maintains that one may not build a �merchatz� in one�s house because it is a�sakana.[79]�However,�Horav Moshe Feinstein zt�l[80]�and other�poskim�maintain that this does not apply to a�mikvah�or to a bathroom, and it is not against�Horav Yehuda HaChassid�s�will to have these rooms in one�s house.
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Mezuzah
A bathroom does not require a�mezuzah�since it is not a room which is designated for�b�kavodika�activity.[81]�If there is a connecting room to the bathroom containing only a sink to wash one�s hands it also does not require a�mezuzah.[82]
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[1]�Gemorah Berochos�26a,�Rashi d�parsoy,��Shulchan Aruch�83:4.
[2]�Refer to�Eretz Tzvi�1:110:-111:pages 375-378,��Maharam Brisk�3:39,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:96,�Zekan Aaron�1:1,�Edos L�Yisroel�page 113:1,�Chelkes Yaakov�1:205,�Minchas Yitzchok�1:60,�Yechaveh Da�as�3:1,�Ohr L�tyzion�1:1, 2:1:9,�Shearim Metzuyanim B�Halacha�1:2:6,�Sharei Ha�beracha�1:footnote 122 in depth.
[3]�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:96, 43:5,�Har Tzvi O.C.�1:50,�Chazzon Ish O.C.�17:4,�Igros Moshe E.H.�1:114,�Shraga Hameir�3:26,�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:24,�Yabea Omer�3:2,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�1:4,�Be�er Moshe�4:3:9,�Rivevos Ephraim�7:1, 8:583,�Divrei Chachumim�page 20:footnote 5,�Avnei Yushfei�1:5:1,�Kedushas Hamachanei K�hilchosa9:6:footnote 14. A room which is only made for urinals is still considered a bathroom (Mishnah Berurah�83:12).
[4]�Refer to�Yaskil Avdi�6:13:pages 19-21,�Minchas Yitzchok�1:60,�Minchas Gidiyon�page 173:footnote 20,�Ginzei Hakodesh�14:footnote 18�quoting the opinion of�Horav Korelitz Shlita,�Divrei Sholom�3:1,�Rivevos Ephraim�8:583:1-2.
[5]�Noam�12:page 265,�Tzitz Eliezer�7:5,�Otzros Yosef�1:12,�Yalkut Yosef�1:10,�Sheiros Yosef�3:17,�Halichos�Shlomo Tefilla�20:footnote 37.
[6]�Refer to�Gemorah Berochos�62a,�Maharsha,�Darchei Moshe�3:1,�Rama�3:2,��Levush�2,�Shulchan Aruch�Harav�2,�Ben Ish Chai Vayetzeh�1:6,�Chesed L�alafim�3:3,�Lekutei Maharich�page 5b (New),�Aruch�Ha�shulchan�4,�Halacha Berurah�3:3, See�Mesechtas Bechoros�44b. This refers to one and his wife as well (Pri�Megadim Eishel Avraham�1,Mishnah Berurah�3).
[7]�Magen Avraham�1,�Be�er Heitiv�1,�Eliyahu Zuta�1,�Elya Rabbah�1,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�2,�Chesed�L�alafim�ibid,�Mishnah Berurah�3,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:7,�Halacha Berurah�ibid. Refer to�Artzos�Ha�chaim�3:2 who says this is permitted if the child cannot talk yet.
[8]�Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham�2,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�2,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:7, see�Mishnah�Berurah�4.
[9]�Ben Ish Chai�ibid,�Aruch Ha�shulchan�4,�Kaf Ha�chaim�4,�Halacha Berurah�ibid.
[10]�Refer to Rashi Berochos 62a , �U�bais,��Rambam Hilchos De�os�5:6,�Rama�ibid,�Be�er Heitiv�2,�Levush�2,�Mekor Chaim�page 16,�Machzik Beracha�3:6,�Siddur Yaavetz�page 87:1,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�3:8,�Lekutei Maharich�page 5b (old),�Mishnah Berurah�3:4,�Kaf Ha�chaim Y.D.�116:113,�Ketzos Ha�shulchan�4:2,�Minchas Yitzchok�4:61,Be�er Moshe�5:1,�Doleh U�mashka�page 9. The�Torah L�shma�24 says it is permitted to talk in a bathroom for a�tzorech�and you may talk as much as you need.
[11]�Refer to�Gemorah Sanhedrin�19a,�Rashi��meshum,��Darchei Moshe�3:1,�Magen Avraham�1,�Be�er Heitiv�1,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�3:2. Although the�poskim�say that women talk to each to each other in the bathroom to avoid an�issur�of�yichud�there with a man,��this does not apply today since we have separate bathrooms for men and woman (Bais Boruch�3:4, see�Kaf Ha�chaim�3:5).
[12]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Yugel Yaakov�pages 1-2.
[13]�Refer to�Machzik Beracha�3:3: page 130,�Siddur Yaavetz�ibid,�Chesed L�alafim�3:2,�Mishnah Berurah�3:4,�Kaf Ha�chaim�3:6,�Toras Chaim�page 8:2.
[14]�Otzros Yosef�1:6,��Sheiros Yosef��3:3,�Yabea Omer�8:1, see�Sharei Aaron�3:18.
[15]�V�ein Lumo Michshal�5:page 31:1.
[16]�Darchei Moshe�3:1,�Rama�3:2,�Levush�3:2,�Siddur Yaavetz�page 87:2,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�3:2,�Aruch�Ha�shulchan�4,�Kaf Ha�chaim�7,�Ketzos Ha�shulchan�4:2,�Igros Moshe E.H. 1:114,�Sharei Aaron�3:19.
[17]�Ben Ish Chai Vayetzeh�1:4,�Chesed L�alafim�3:5,��Sheiros Yosef�3:2,�Doleh U�mashka�page 8.
[18]�Ben Ish Chai ibid,�Kaf Ha�chaim�3:7,�Sheiros Yosef�3:2, see�Doleh U�mashka�page 8. After one is finished with the toilet he should make sure it is clean for someone else to use (Elya Rabbah�3:6,�Masef�Lechul Hamachanus�3:9).
[19]�Refer to�Gemorah Bava Kama�17a,�Bais Yosef�4,�Pri Megadim M.Z.�613:2,�Elya Rabbah�227:6,�Ben Ish Chai Toldos�1:16,�Torah L�shma�23,�Machzik Beracha�4:6,�Chesed L�alafim�4:12,�Teshuros��Shai�2:95,�Be�er Mordechai�1:2,�Da�as��Torah�4:18,�Lekutei Maharich�page 11 (old),�Mishnah Berurah�4:40,�Aruch��Ha�shulchan�4:18,�Kaf Ha�chaim4:65,�Tehilla L�Dovid�4:16,�Nemukei Orach Chaim�4:2,�Darchei Chaim�V�sholom�90,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:93,�Har Tzvi�1:50,�Aprikasisa D�yana�1:133,�Chazzon Ish O.C.�24:26,�Be�er Moshe�4:3:7:page 7,�Sheiros Yosef�1:3:11, 1:4:20:page 59,�Yechaveh Da�as�3:1,�Rivevos�Ephraim�1:6:1,�Bais Boruch�1:2:34,�Yalkut Yosef�1:20,�Halacha��Berurah4:49:page 92,�Nekius V�kovod�B�tefilla�page 14:footnote 17, refer to�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:24:footnote 38,�Minhag Yisroel Torah�1:4:10:pages 56-57 says many people are lenient with this,��see�Magen Avraham�227:2.
[20]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Magen Avraham�4:17,�Pri�Megadim Eishel Avraham�4:17,�Elya Rabbah�4:12,�Seder Hayom�page 3�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:89,�Mishnah Berurah�4:39,�Aruch Ha�shulchan�4:21,�Nemukei Orach Chaim�ibid,�Yabea Omer�4:5:1. One should initially wash until the end of the knuckles (Pri Megadim M.Z.�4:15,Mishnah Berurah�4:38,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:92,�Kaf Ha�chaim�4:64, Ketzos Ha�shulchan�2:11). In regard to not using a utensil refer to�Elya Rabbah�4:12,�Ohr L�tyzion�2:1:15,�Rivevos Ephraim�5:593,�Divrei Chachumim�20:5,�Birur Halacha�7:3:page 127,�Sheiros Yosef�1:4:19,�Emes L�Yaakov�4:footnote 11. See�Tama D�kra��hanhugos�of theChazzon Ish�2:page 235,�Orchos�Rabbeinu�1:page 14:11,�Minchas Yitzchok�5:96,�Sheilas Rav�2:1:29-30,�Ohr L�tyzion�ibid.
[21]�Sharei Teshuva��4:20,�Elya Rabbah�ibid,�Machtzis Ha�shekel,�Kaf Ha�chaim Palagi�8:26,�Ben Ish Chai�Toldos�1:16,�Chesed L�alafim�3:12,�Kaf Ha�chaim�61,�Ketzos Ha�shulchan�2:footnote 29,�Bais Boruch�1:2:3,�Ohr L�tzyion�2:1:15,�Halacha Berurah�1:7:3:page 127 quoting the custom of�Horav��Ovadia Yosef Shlita.
[22]�Refer to�Yaskil Avdi�7:44:1,�Rivevos Ephraim�6:3:1,�Halichos Shlomo�Tefilla�20:24,�Orchos Rabbeinu�3:page 187:12, and footnote 3. See�Ohr L�tzyion�1:1:page 14,�Divrei Shalom�6:117. The�Edos L�Yisroel�page 13 is lenient.
[23]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita.
[24]�Hakotton V�hilchosuv�1:6:5:footnote 15.
[25]�Horav Akiva Eiger�4:7,�Ginzei Hakodesh�4:6:footnote 99 in depth,�Sharei Aaron�4:108.
[26]�Chelek Levi�1:3.
[27]�Lev Chaim�1:66, Chesed�L�alafim�4:2,�Mishnah Berurah�4:14,�Yabea Omer�4:5:7,�Otzros Yosef�1:13:5, see�Masef Lechul�Hamachanus�4:36,�Kaf Ha�chaim�4:20,�Shevet Ha�kehusi�1:3-4. No�beracha�is recited when one passes gas (Chai Adom�7:7,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�7:19,�Edos L�Yisroel�page 113:1,�Minchas Gidiyon�page 177:12).
[28]�Igros Moshe E.H.�1:114.
[29]�Refer to�Moadim V�zemanim�8:249,�Tzitz Eliezer�7:5,�Yabea Omer O.C.�3:1-2,�Yechaveh Da�as�3:1,�Minchas Yitzchok�1:60.
[30]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Kaf Ha�chajm�4:66,�Rivevos Ephraim�1:6:1, 2:11,�Tzitz Eliezer�7:2:3,�Lehoros Nosson�7:1,�Bais Boruch�1:2:35:page 47,�Vayivorech Dovid�1:4,�Shemiras Haguf V�hanefesh�1:54:footnote 29,�Nekius V�kovod B�tefilla�page 15:footnote 24 quoting the opinion of�Horav Nissim Korelitz Shlita.
[31]�Refer to�Ben Ish Chai Toldos�1:16,�Da�as Torah�4:18,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:93,�Shraga Hameir�3:71:6,�Chazzon Ish O.C. 24:26,�Sheilas Rav�2:1:28,�Orchos Rabbeinu�3:page 186 1:11, see 1:1:11:page 14.
[32]�Torah L�shma�23,�Rivevos Ephraim�7:1.
[33]�Lev Chaim�2:7,�Ohr L�tyzion�2:1:13,�Rivevos Ephraim�4:9:1, no need to wash ones feet if one enter only with hid feet into the bathroom (Rivevos Ephraim�8:7:2). If one makes a�tzuras ha�pesach�around the toilet with wood etc. then washing ones hands in the bathroom is permitted (Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita). This is very common in sleep away camps.
[34]�Lev Chaim�1:66,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:36,�Lekutei Maharich�page 226 (new),�Salmas Chaim�9 (old),�Yaskil Avdi�7:44:1,�Bais Boruch Meluyim�1:2:19:page 403,�Yabea Omer�4:5:3,�Nekius V�kovod�B�tefilla�2:footnote 16,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�2:4,�Divrei Shalom�6:18,�Rivevos V�yuvlos�2:12, see�Minchas Yitzchok�3:63 who questions the reason not to bring food into a bathroom. Refer to�Lekutei Maharich�ibid.
[35]�Aprikasisa D�yana�1:133,�Be�er Moshe�5:1,�Tzitz Eliezer�14:2,�Betzel Hachuchma�3:11:2,�Rivevos�Ephraim�4:7, 5:10,�Yalkut Yosef�1:18, see�Shraga Hameir�2:41:1,�Rivevos Ephraim�8:471:3,�Eitz Hasadeh�21:footnote 10*. Some say if one has a bag with food in it and he is in an airport and he is scared his things will be taken if he leaves it outside the bathroom, then he should ask someone to watch it for him (Vi�hiy B�nsoa�page 6:10). On�Erev Pesach�that falls on�Shabbos�one may flush the�chometz�down the toilet (Mishnah�Berurah�444:21).
[36]�Refer to�Rivevos Ephraim�1:8:2,�Be�er Moshe�8:41,�Tzitz Eliezer�ibid,�Otzros Yosef�1:13.
[37]�Yaskil Avdi�7:44:9:page 64,�Otzros��Yosef�ibid.
[38]�Rivevos Ephraim�1:8:2, 2:6,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�1:11,�Shevet Ha�kehusi�2:245.
[39]�Be�er Heitiv�2,�Siddur Yaavetz�ibid, see�Rivevos Ephraim�2:11.
[40]�Rivevos Ephraim�3:305. If you know young children bring food into the bathroom then�bedika�would be required (Rivevos Ephraim�2:13:2, 4:107).�Bedikas chometz�is required in a bathroom to go through the medicines to see if any of them are�chometz. (Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita).
[41]�Ohr L�tzyion�1:1, 2:1:9. One should nonetheless try to drink the water outside (Ohr L�tzyion�2:1:9).
[42]�Refer to�Maharam Brisk�1:117,�Eretz Tzvi�1:110-111,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�4:96,�Chelkes Yaakov�1:205, see 2:174,�Minchas Yitzchok�1:60, 4:36,�Darchei Chaim V�sholom�91;page 35,�Be�er Mordechai�1:1,�Be�er Moshe�kuntres�electric . 7:114,�Rivevos Ephraim�2:6,�Halichos Shlomo�Tefilla�20:24,�Ohr L�tzyion�2:1:10,�Sheiros Yosef�1:4:20,Minchas Gidiyon�2:9:page 175:footnote 22,�Vi�hiy B�nsoa�1:10:page 6:footnote 17,�V�yan Yosef�1:2. The�V�lechticha B�derech�8:2:footnote 68 says one should cover the seat before hand.
[43]�Refer�Mesechtas Shabbos�127b,�Rambam Hilchos Sefer Torah�10:5,�Shulchan Aruch Y.D.�282:6,�Magen�Avraham�43:14,�Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham�14,�Be�er Heitiv�11,�Maharsham�3:357,�Mishnah Berurah�43:25,�Shar Ha�tzyion�17,�Salmas Chaim�373 (old),�Ginzei Hakodesh�page 203 quoting this as the opinion of many�poskim, As far as bringing�tefillin�into the bathroom refer to�Shulchan Aruch�43:6-7,�Mishnah�Berurah�24. (This is very common in an airport where one has no place to put his�tefillin�when he wants to use the bathroom). If one brought�tefillin�or a�mezuzah�into the bathroom they do not become�posul�(Shevet�Ha�kehusi�2:34).
[44]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Sharei Teshuva�43:11,�Elya Rabbah�6,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�43:6,�Nekius V�kovod B�tefilla�page 130:12:footnote 2 quoting the opinion of�Horav Chaim Kanievesky Shlita,�Yugel Yaakov�page 39, see�Ginzei Hakodesh�4:footnote 2, and questions asked to�Horav Chaim Kanievesky�#19-22. A see through cover is not good according to some�poskim�(Doleh U�mashka�page 43, see�Mishnah�Berurah�40:7).
[45]�Refer to�Mishnah Berurah�40:4,�N�kius V�kovod B�tefilla�12:3, see�Shevet Ha�kehusi�1:58.
[46]�Rivevos Ephraim�1:end of 8, see 7:278:13:page 232. If a�daver sh�bekedusha�is placed in a plastic bag and then in one�s pocket one may walk into the bathroom, since that is considered two coverings (Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:21).
[47]�Nekius V�kovod B�tefilla�page 187:129.
[48]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Rivevos Ephraim�8:158:5.
[49]�Ginzei Hakodesh�4:footnote 2.
[50]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Shach Y.D.�179:11,�Oz Nedberu�2:64,�Ginzei Hakodesh�4:5:footnote 6,�Betzel Hachuchma�6:124,�Tzitz Eliezer�16:31,�Shevet Ha�Levi�6:8,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�2:466,�Rivevos�Ephraim�8:158:4 quoting the opinion of�Horav Elyashiv Shlita,�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:footnote 33, see�Nekius V�kovod B�tefilla�page 187:133. If there is�divrei Torah�written on the money one should be stringent if the money is not covered (Nekius V�kovod B�tefilla�12:6). Refer to�Oz Nedberu�2:64, 8:49:1. If it is on the floor one should pick it up (Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita).
[51]�Be�er Moshe kuntres�electric 7:111:11:page 169,�Shevet Ha�kehusi�1:58, 2:3�Rivevos Ephraim�3:22,�Divrei Shalom�4:22:2. Refer to�Be�er Moshe�5:16,�Tzitz Eliezer�15:7, and�Shevet Ha�kehusi�2:3 about walking into a bathroom with a�sefer�whose words can only be seen with a microscope
[52]�Igros Moshe Y.D.�2:142,�Be�er Moshe�7:108:4.
[53]�Refer to�Igros Moshe Y.D.�2:76,�Be�er Moshe�3:183, 8:127,�Oz Nedberu�2:64,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�2:466,�Ginzei Hakodesh�8:footnote 14, see 8:9.
[54]�Refer to�Tzitz Eliezer�11:5,�Ginzei Hakodesh�8:footnote 16 quoting the opinion of�Horav Elyashiv Shlita�and others.
[55]�Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita, see�Aruch Ha�shulchan Y.D.�282:10,�Vayivorech Dovid�1:15.
[56]��Poskim. Refer to�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:footnote 36,�Orchos Rabbeinu�3:41:page 161 in regard to bringing the�Rambam�s sefer refuah�into the bathroom.
[57]�Refer to�Gemorah Shabbos�40b,�Rashi��l�harher,��Rosh�3:12,�Gemorah Shabbos�150a,��Rambam Hilchos�Krias Shema�3:4,�Shulchan Aruch�85:2,�Levush�85:2,�Elya Rabba�85:2,��Pri Megadim Eishel Avraham�2,�Machtzis Ha�shekel�85:1,�Birchei Yosef�85:3,�Ben Ish Chai Vayetzeh�1:16,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�1,�Aruch�Ha�shulchan�2. This applies to the four�amos�from where any odor has gone away (Mishnah Berurah�7,�Kaf Ha�chaim�7).
[58]�Magen Avraham�85:1,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�1,�Mishnah Berurah�6,�Kaf Ha�chaim�4,�Tehilla L�Dovid�5:1,�Masef Lechul Hamachanus�3:8. One can think of how low he is and where he came from (Mishnah�Berurah�ibid).
[59]�Be�er Heitiv�85:1,�Machtzis Ha�shekel�85:1,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�1,�Tehilla L�Dovid�ibid,�Masef�Lechul Hamachanus�ibid.
[60]�Refer to�Yerushalmi Berochos�3:4,�Rashi Zevachim�102b�l�onsa,��Kesef Mishna Hilchos Krias Shema�ibid,�Bais�Yosef�85,�Drisha�85:1,�Sharei Teshuva�85:1,�Pri Megadim M.Z�85:1,�Pri Chadash,�Mishnah Berurah�8,�Kaf�Ha�chaim�5, see�Shiurei Beracha�85:1,�Birchei Yosef�1,�Shulchan Hatohar�85:1 who frown upon thinking in learning even in this situation.
[61]�Magen Avraham�4,�Shulchan Aruch Harav�4,�Mishnah Berurah�13,�Aruch Ha�shulchan�2,�Kaf Ha�chaim�16.
[62]�Tzitz Eliezer�13:1:2,
[63]�Eishel Avraham Butchatch�79:9.
[64]�Chuchmas Shlomo�85,�Lehoros Nosson�1:1,�Tzitz Eliezer�13:1:3.
[65]�Refer to�Divrei Chachumim�page 21:10, see�Kedushas Hamachanei K�hilchosa�pages 242-24 in depth.
[66]�Yabea Omer��O.C.�7:27:4. Refer to�Yabea Omer O.C.�5:11.
[67]�Igros Moshe Y.D.�3:47.
[68]�Doleh U�mashka�8:footnote 22, see�Sheilas Rav�2:1:8.
[69]�In regard to whether uncut toilet paper is�muktzah�on�Shabbos�refer to�Shalmei Yehuda�10:9:footnote 30 in depth. In regard to if one is allowed to use someone toilet without his permission refer to�Shevet Ha�kehusi�3:306 who permits it.
[70]�Refer to�Shulchan Aruch�217:2,�Magen Avraham�216:18,�Pri Megadim M.Z.�217:17,�Mishnah Berurah�217:9,�Aruch Ha�shulchan�217:5,�Piskei Teshuvos�214:5,�Vezos Ha�beracha�page 176,�Avnei Yushfei�2:16:4,�Ohr L�tzyion�2:page 137,�Shevet Ha�kehusi�1:103.
[71]�Horav Eider�on�Hilchos Shabbos dosh�page 131:footnote 68 quoting the opinion of�Horav Moshe�Feinstein zt�l,�Shemiras Shabbos K�hilchoso�25:5:footnote 31,�Shalmei Yehuda�10:4:footnote 10 quoting this as being the opinion of�Horav Elyashiv�and�Horav Zilber Shlita,�Shevet Ha�Levi�6:139:2,�Minchas�Yitzchok�6:26, Thirty Nine�Melochos2:page 277,�Nishmas Shabbos�4:184,�Vi�hiy B�nsoa�pages 392-394 in depth.
[72]�Refer to�Mesechtas Kesubos�60a,�Shulchan Aruch�336:9,�Shemiras Shabbos K�hilchoso�12:17:footnote 50,�Igros Moshe O.C.�4:40:9,�Sefer Habayis�25:15:footnote 30 in depth,�Shulchan Shlomo�336:9:11:footnote 11,�Minchas Yitzchok�5:75,�Be�er Moshe�1:29, 3:70,�Chelkes Yaakov�3:128,�Yabea Omer�5:33,�Nishmas Shabbos�6:252,�V�yan Yosef�1:149. A plunger is not�muktzah�while a plungers snake is (Laws Of�Muktzah-Cohen) page 221.
[73]�Minchas Shlomo�2:14,�Be�er Moshe�8:22,�Shalmei Yehuda�10:12,�Avnei Yushfei�1:86,�Shevet Ha�Levi�8:167,�Nishmas Shabbos�4:87,�Oz Nedberu�13:14,�Sefer Habayis�25:14.
[74]�Be�er Moshe�ibid,�Tzitz Eliezer�14:47,�Ohr L�tzyion�1:29,�Yalkut Yosef�320:12:footnote 17 in depth,�Meor�HaShabbos�1:page 524. One is permitted to clean the toilet with a brush made for that purpose on�Shabbos�(Shalmei Yehuda�9:1:footnote 4, see�Shemiras Shabbos K�hilchoso�23:15,�Sefer Habayis�25:13, see�Be�er Moshe�1:43:7, 2:29:4, 6:94:8, 8:248).
[75]�Kinyan Torah�2:67,�Shemiras Shabbos K�hilchoso�23:14,�Orchos Shabbos�15:64,�Toras Hamelochos�3:page 173, see�Nishmas Shabbos�4:page 481. If one is in someone else�s bathroom and they have a colored deodorizer in the bathroom one may use the bathroom in this case (Nishmas Shabbos�ibid,�Avnei Yushfei�1:86:page 171,�Migdal Dovid tzoveah�footnote 50). If the colored deodorizer is placed in a urinal one may use the urinal even�l�chatchilah�(Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlita).
[76]�Orchos Shabbos�ibid:footnote 94, The�Shabbos�Home 2:page 337:footnote 40, see�Avnei Yushfei�1:86.
[77]�Refer to�Bais Yosef�83,�Shulchan Aruch�1,�Magen Avraham�83:1,�Chai Adom�3:11,�Mishnah Berurah�1-5,�Aruch Ha�shulchan�83:5,�Shulchan Hatohar�83:1,�Igros Moshe E.H.�1:114,�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�20:footnote 38,�Kovetz Bais Aaron V�Yisroel�102:pages 90-91,�Ohr L�tzyion�1:1,�Ishei Yisroel�53:4 :footnote 6 (old),�Rivevos Ephraim�2:197:23,Chut Shuni Niddah�page 200:footnote 6,�Shevet Ha�kehusi�3:50.��Some say it is permitted even if the door is opened but no foul odor is emanating from the bathroom (Igros Moshe�ibid,�Vezos Ha�beracha�page 151). Others say to close the door (Oz Nedberu�5:28:1,�Vezos�Ha�beracha�page 151 quoting the opinion of�Horav Elyashiv Shlita). See�Taz�1,Kaf Ha�chaim�4,�Shevet�Ha�Levi�4:10.
[78]�Halichos Shlomo Tefilla�8:footnote 12,�Vi�hiy B�nsoa�page 31:footnote 79 quoting the opinion of�Horav�Woser Shlita,�Divrei Shalom�6:page 275:46,�Sheilas Rav�1:2:6.��As far as�davening�while sitting refer to�Shulchan Aruch�94:4,9,�Mishnah Berurah�25-27,�Aruch Ha�shulchan,�Igros Moshe O.C.�4:20,�Be�er Moshe�3:14,�Rivevos�Ephraim�1:50:12, 2:48:98, 4:44:96, 4:44:115,�Emes L�Yaakov�94:footnote 121,�Yisroel B�mamadam�1:9:21,�Vi�hiy�B�nsoa�page 29:10.
[79]�Will 18 or 21 depending on the print.
[80]�Igrso Moshe Y.D. 2:97, see�Divrei Yisroel�1:9,�Divrei Chaim E.H.�1:7,�Mishputecha L�Yaakov�Y.D.�52:3,�Lekutei Halachos�(On�Horav Yehuda Hachassid�s�Will) pages 52-55 in depth,�Teshuvos V�hanhugos�1:849,�Betzel Hachuchma�2:34,�Shemiras Haguf V�hanefesh��chapter 221 in depth.
[81]�Ritvah Yoma�11b �yotzeh,��Shulchan Aruch Y.D.�286:4,�Taz�7,�Chovas Hador�2:9:footnote 35,�Sefer�Habayis�20:13, see�Pischei Shearim�pages 135-138.
[82]�Oz Nedberu�5:49-50,�Shevet Ha�Levi�7:171:1.
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4 Responses
Why would there even be a shaila to even think that a room with only a shower would be considered a bathroom?
Is this article saying that a modern bathroom is more chumer, has more stringencies, than a parsoy of old?
Apparently some hold that even though our bathrooms are very clean, they’re different in one way than the Persian (parsoy) bathrooms of the gemara, in that the stuff doesn’t go down the incline automatically, but rather needs to be flushed. They say that the Minchas Elozor was once on a train and noted that the bathroom there was basically a hole and the stuff left immediately, and remarked that that was like the parsoy toilet of the gemara.
ujm: (1) I suppose it is because of the halachos which apply to a place where people are naked but not relieving themselves, such as a mikva or bathhouse. (2) Yes, I think that’s what they’re saying.