# 4898 This is Not a Joke

On question 1278, we mentioned that Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if you are repeating or thinking of verses and words of our sages, albeit in a nonsensical and ludicrous content, it would be still prohibited while being in an improper location

The same would apply to reading kosher jokes and funny stories in the bathroom.

Talmud (Shabbos 30b) teaches that Rava, before beginning a lecture would tell a “Milsa D’bedichusa,” a humorous story or witticism that would make people laugh and catch their attention. Meforshim point out that it was part of the Torah learning experience with simcha and joy (See Menuchas Sholom p. 48 and others).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a