Q. Even though one should wash one's entire body before Shabbath, if, for whatever reason, one is unable to take a bath or shower, one must at least wash one's face, hands and feet in warm water." I'm wondering, if someone did take a full shower on Thursday night, and then is pressed for time on Friday, would they still need to wash at all on Friday at all? (ie. Thursday evening is still Erev Shabbat, so is showering then the same as showering just before Shabbat starts on Friday afternoon?
Thanks
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 260: 1) rules that one has to wash the complete body on the eve of Shabbos and when unable, at least one must wash face, hands and feet in warm water.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 1) warns that one should be extremely careful especially during the winter short days to wash early so one may not incur on any Shabbos transgressions.
Mishna Berura (ibid. 4) maintains that in our days washing feet may not be necessary in need of time, since we don't walk usually without shoes. However, Shemiras Shabbos K. (42: n. 155 asserts that in warm countries due to sweating, feet should be included.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a advises that when in need, it is better to shower early on Friday morning before davening than on Thursday night, and then just wash face, hands and feet in warm water, giving oneself ample time before the shekiah when Shabbos begins. One should also strongly prevent his family and encourage them to shower early.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
