Q. Hello Rav,
The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (5:14) says its forbidden to speak (or think) sacred matters (davar sh'b'kedushah) in a bathhouse (meirchatz). I'm wondering how to apply this halacha to our current day mikvahs, specifically in the changeroom itself where several men may be present together getting dressed or undressed, etc. Does the same halacha apply there? Additionally, is it permitted to speak about non-Torah subjects there?. If not, it is permissible to even make greetings (eg. Hello! How are you)?
If someone says hello to you, can you respond?
If someone asks "how are you", can you respond with the usual "Baruch Hashem" or is that a name that can't be mentioned in a mikveh changeroom. Does it help to say "B.H", or should you just answer without hinting to Hashem at all?
Thanks.
A. Mishna Berura (84: 4) quotes Taz that a mikva has generally a similar Halacha status to a bathhouse
and so does the beis haemtzoi or change room where some people are undressed and one should avoid speaking divrei kedusha there. However, other divrei chulin or non-consecrated talk, and greetings that do not include the names of Hashem, such as Shalom, are permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid saying also Baruch Hashem in those places. Similarly, greetings that imply Hashem’s name, such as Adieu, Adios and even Good Bye, (contraction of G-d be with ye), should better be avoided, However, just answering with the letter “B” followed by the letter “H,” is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
