Q. Hello Rav, I wanted to get some clarify on what is permitted in a room that has a shower only (no toilet) that is used regularly for bathing. I understand that Rav Ovadia allows one to listen to a Torah class while showering in such a room, but I also read in the Yalkut Yosef that we should not say brachot in that room. 1. I'm wondering if it is permissible to learn Torah in that room. I assume it can't be learned out loud, but could I read silently from a sefer or from Torah on my phone while fully dressed and watching a child taking an extended bath?
A. On question 1399 we were asked: "Dear Rabbi Bartfeld, Shlit”a. My son has a waterproof bluetooth speaker that he can take in the shower and listen to music. This can be helpful in that the music makes him energetic in the morning. Is there a problem listening to songs that have psukim or parts of psukim, given that it is being played in the washroom? For that matter, what if a person is in the washroom and can hear music with psukim that is being played loudly in another room?
Thank you.
To what we answered: On question 144 we wrote; “Poiskim rule that you cannot listen to a Torah tape while working inside, (a bathroom) as you would be thinking Torah thoughts in an undesirable location. (Be'er Moishe 6, 108, 4 – Be'er Sorim 36). It is noteworthy to mention that Horav Ovadia Yosef Shlit”a (Yavia Omer 5,11 – Halichos Oilom 1, p.119) permits listening to tapes or liturgical music while taking a bath on a private bathroom that has no toilet present. According to his view you would be permitted to listen to Torah tapes while working in such a location. However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to be always particularly respectful on the holiness of the Torah…”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that he should not take his bluetooth devise into the bathroom nor listen to any songs that contain psukim or other divrei kodesh when there.
If one is on the bathroom he should certainly try to avoid listening to the above. If it cannot be done, as with laud music originating from other areas or buildings not under his control, if he does not have any intention to listen it is permitted in need, as it is a dovor sheino miskaven or an unintentional act.
On question 3200 we were asked: "If someone takes a hot shower on a cold day or goes to a nice warm Mikva, can he thank Hashem in his mind as he always does for the pleasure received, while in a shower or Mikva?
To what we answered: "On question 627 regarding if the mitzvah of loving Hashem since it is in essence only a feeling and emotion of the heart, and is similar to fearing Hashem, if those feelings, without images or added thoughts, permitted when one is in a bathroom or mikva. we wrote: ” Chashukei Chemed (Brochos 24b) debates the issue, and wants to prove from Mishna Berura (85: 6) that opines one should engage while in the bathroom on thoughts pertinent to one's business or work, to avoid thinking about divrei kedusha, that indeed thinking about Hashem's presence may not be permitted, however, he decides otherwise. He also quotes Sefer Chasidim (545); In all places acknowledge your Maker, even in those you cannot think the words of Torah.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed to a Chochmas Shlomo (O.H. 85: 2) that maintains one should remain conscious and aware of Hashem's presence even when being in a bathroom, to comply with Shivisi Hashem lenegdi tamid, “Keep Hashem before you always.” Chochmas Shlomo adds that this applies even to the dreams one has.
The Rov maintains that feelings of love or fear of Hashem's presence are certainly not only permitted but advised, as they belong to the six constant mitzvos. The Rov added that musar on midos and planning thoughts for performing mitzvos and similar are permitted in those unclean locations.”
On question 2423 we added: Nachal Eshkol explains that this is the intention of Shir Hayichud when saying Kol Tinofes or no dirt can sully You. Eretz Zvi (1; 62) maintains that we recite modeh ani when waking up and addressing Hashem even with unclean hands and body. Other Poskim agree (Mishne Sochir 2: 23, Lev Avrohom 53, etc.
However, different Poskim disagree and maintain that one should not think of Hashem's presence when in impure locations. (Lehoros Nossan 1:1, Tzitz Eliezer 13: 1, etc).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is permitted.”
In our case, if it is only basically a short thanking feeling of ‘Hakaras Hatov,” that a person has in his heart and mind directed to Hashem for the pleasure one is receiving, it is permitted.
2). I'm wondering if it would be permissible to have a drink in that room (for example, while having a bath). Of course I would make the bracha outside the room, but is eating/drinking forbidden or allowed in a shower room?
A. See prior question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
