[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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
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]
[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.
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
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.