Q. A patient hospitalized and wearing diapers, can he listen to Torah tapes or Jewish music? Can you say tefiloth or Shema for him when he is listening to what you are saying?
A. Mishna Berura (78: 3) rules that if a dry outer garment covers the urine damp inner clothing, one is permitted to read sh'ma and recite tafilos. Certainly one is allowed to listen to Torah tapes and music that contains pesukim. Nevertheless, at the time the patient is urinating he should stop his prayers or learning.
However the above does not apply to feces even if they are covered, as they are not absorbed by the diaper, (O.H. 76: 5, Mishna Berura 18), therefore the patient would have to be cleaned properly before praying.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that when visiting the ailing and praying in front of them or talking divrei Torah to them, you do not have to be concerned perhaps they soiled themselves, unless there is a prevalent odor.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
