Entering with Sefarim to a bathroom

May one enter Sefarim into a bathroom?[1]

The question of whether one may bring holy books (Sefarim) into a bathroom touches upon the broader principle of honoring sacred objects and avoiding any form of disrespect. Jewish law places great emphasis on the sanctity of Torah writings, requiring that they be treated with dignity at all times. Bathrooms, being places associated with impurity, present a unique challenge in this regard. This discussion explores the halachic parameters governing such situations, including distinctions between private and public bathrooms, the role of protective coverings, and differing opinions among the Poskim. The general rule is as follows: It is forbidden to enter revealed Sefarim or Tefillin into a bathroom due to it being a belittlement to the Sefarim. If the Sefarim are covered, then at times it is allowed to enter the Sefer into the bathroom. This depends on whether the bathroom is a private bathroom or public, and as to whether they are covered with one covering or two, as will now be explained.

Exposed Sefarim:[2]

It is forbidden to enter revealed Sefarim, or any books that contain words of Torah, into a bathroom due to it being a belittlement to the Sefarim.

If one is not relieving himself:[3] The above ruling applies according to all opinions if one enters the bathroom for the sake of relieving himself, even if it is only for the sake of urinating.[4] However, when one enters a bathroom without intention of using it—for example, if someone wishes to enter to wash their hands, check a mirror, or retrieve an item— some Poskim[5] rule that it is permitted to even enter revealed Tefillin and Torah books, even in a private bathroom that is used for both urine and feces. However, other Poskim[6] rule that even in a situation where a person enters the bathroom not for the purpose of relieving themselves, it is forbidden to bring exposed Sefarim into the bathroom. Practically, one should be stringent and suspect for this latter opinion.[7]

Secular Hebrew books: Secular Hebrew books may generally be taken into a bathroom, as they do not carry the sanctity of Torah texts.[8] However, some Poskim[9] recommend one to avoid doing so. This especially applies if the book is written in Ashuris script, out of respect for the traditional holy form of the letters. [10]

• Example: Rachel is reading a Hebrew novel (not Torah-related) and needs to go to the bathroom. She may take the book inside, as it does not contain words of Torah. However, some Poskim recommend avoiding this if the text is in Ashuris script.

 If the Sefer is covered:

Private bathroom:[11] It is forbidden to bring Sefarim into a private bathroom[12] even if they are covered.[13] [Regarding if the Sefer is in two coverings, see below!]

• Example: Sarah is at home and has a Siddur in her pocket when she needs to use the bathroom. The Siddur is not inside any additional covering, just the pocket of her clothing.
  She may not enter the bathroom with the Siddur in her pocket. Although pocket counts as a covering, nevertheless, since she is able to leave the Siddur outside the bathroom in the house, there is no allowance to enter it into the bathroom for no need.

Public Bathroom:[14] It is permissible to bring a Sefer into a public bathroom[15] when it has at least one covering.[16] However, the covering is only considered valid if it is not specifically designated for use with Sefarim or if it contains a Tefach.[17] Simply wrapping the Sefer in clothing worn by the individual and carrying it by hand is insufficient.[18]

• Example 1: David is traveling and stops at a rest area. He has a Chumash in his bag. The bathroom is public, and David fears the book might get stolen if left outside. He places the Chumash inside a non-designated plastic shopping bag and enters the bathroom. This is permitted because the Sefer is in a public bathroom, covered by an undesignated cover, and the intent is to guard it from theft.
• Example 2: Sarah is at a public rest stop and has a Siddur in her hand when she needs to use the bathroom. She wraps the Siddur in her sweater and holds it. This is forbidden because wrapping it in clothing she is wearing does not count as a valid covering. She should leave the Siddur outside the bathroom.

Two coverings:[19]  When a Sefer is enclosed within two coverings, many Poskim[20] permit bringing it into a bathroom. However, some Poskim[21] maintain that Sefarim may never be taken into a private bathroom, even if doubly covered, as these items can generally be left outside without concern for theft. In practice, the prevailing custom is to be lenient when the Sefer has two coverings.[22] Notably, all opinions agree that a double covering is only effective if one of the covers is not specifically designated for the Sefer.

• Example: Rabbi Cohen is in his office and needs to use the private bathroom. He has a Sefer Tehillim inside its regular binding and also inside a zippered pouch. Many Poskim permit entering with the Sefer since it has two coverings, one of which is not designated for the Sefer (the pouch). The custom is to be lenient in this case.

Is the binding of a Sefer considered a cover? Some Poskim[23] rule that the binding of a Sefer is not classified as a separate covering but is considered an integral part of the Sefer itself. However, other Poskim[24] adopt a more lenient stance, viewing the binding as a designated cover. Consequently, if an additional cover is placed over it, this would be regarded as two coverings.

Is it permissible to enter a bathroom while carrying a Sefer or Siddur in one’s pocket?

Private Bathroom: According to the more stringent view in the Poskim brought above regarding a double covering, Sefarim may never be brought into a private bathroom being that there is an option to place them safely outside without concern for theft. Therefore, it is not permissible to enter a private bathroom with a Sefer in one’s pocket, even if the book is enclosed within multiple coverings. However, according to the more lenient view, which aligns with common practice, it is permitted to enter a bathroom with a Siddur or Sefer in his pocket into the bathroom provided it is enclosed within an additional covering, such as a plastic bag; this condition is generally accepted by all the lenient authorities.[25] However, if the Siddur lacks an additional covering and simply sitting in one’s pocket in its exposed state, some Poskim[26] permit its entry regardless being that it is within one’s pocket.[27] However according to Admur seemingly one is to be stringent[28], as rule other Poskim.[29]

Public Bathroom:[30] It is permitted to enter a public bathroom with a Sefer or Siddur in one’s pocket.

Summary:

Exposed Sefarim: It is strictly forbidden to bring uncovered Sefarim (holy books) or any Torah texts into a bathroom, whether public or private, as this is considered disrespectful.

Entering for Non-Relief Purposes: Even if entering the bathroom for a purpose other than relieving oneself, one should be stringent and avoid bringing Sefarim inside.

Secular Hebrew Books: Generally, secular Hebrew books may be brought into a bathroom since they do not possess Torah sanctity. However, some authorities advise against this, especially if the book is written in Ashuris (the traditional script of Torah scrolls).

Covered Sefarim:

Public Bathrooms: Sefarim may be brought into a public bathroom if they have at least one non-designated covering (e.g., a bag not specifically for the Sefer), due to the risk of theft. Merely wrapping the Sefer in clothing or carrying it by hand does not suffice.

Double Covering: Many authorities allow entry of Sefarim into a bathroom if they are doubly covered, provided at least one cover is not designated for the Sefer. Some are still stringent, especially regarding private bathrooms.

Binding as a Cover: There is debate whether the binding of a Sefer counts as a cover. Some say it does not, while others are lenient and consider it as one covering.

Carrying Sefarim in a Pocket:

Private Bathrooms: According to strict opinions, it is not permitted, even with multiple coverings, since the book can be left outside. Lenient opinions allow it if the Sefer is within an additional covering (like a plastic bag). Some authorities are lenient even if only the pocket serves as a cover.

Public Bathrooms: It is permitted to bring a Sefer or Siddur in one’s pocket, as the pocket serves as a valid covering due to the risk of theft in public spaces.

Table of Laws

[1] See Admur 43:6 “Even in a bathroom located in a field, the Sages only permitted bringing in Tefillin, since a person wears them all day and walks with them in the field, and it is not practical to return them to his home each time, nor can he hide them in the field because of passersby. However, other holy books (Sefarim) are forbidden to bring in—even into a bathroom in the field—whether in his garment or in his hand, to urinate while seated or to relieve himself, even if it is not a permanent bathroom, because he can leave them at home. Nevertheless, it is permitted to bring them in their case into a permanent bathroom in the field to relieve himself or even to urinate while standing. (But in a bathroom inside a house, or to relieve himself in his yard even if not in a permanent bathroom, their law is like Tefillin—it is forbidden even in their case.) A Torah scroll (Sefer Torah) is forbidden to bring in even in its case into a permanent bathroom, even in the field, as explained in Yoreh De’ah 282. All this applies when one intends to relieve himself, whether major or minor needs, and the bathroom is permanent, since there is concern he may defecate there. But if one enters without any intention of relieving himself, some permit bringing them in his hand even uncovered into a permanent bathroom, even in a house, and the same applies to other holy books. However, there are those who forbid entering a permanent bathroom without relieving oneself, just as if one were entering to relieve himself, and it is proper to be stringent according to this view.”; M”A 43:14

[2] See Admur there that they may not be entered into a public bathroom, or field, unless they are properly covered. They may never be entered into a private bathroom or field even if they are properly covered. [See B regarding a double covering]

[3] Admur ibid “Whenever one enters a bathroom without intention of using it, there are opinions which say that one may even enter revealed Tefillin and Torah books, even by a bathroom in a private area, even if the bathroom is used for both urine and feces. However others say that if the bathroom is also used for feces, then entering for no need at all receives the same laws as one who enters to do his needs. Practically one should be stringent and suspect for this latter opinion.”

[4] Admur ibid; Rabbeinu Yerucham Nesiv 19:5

The reason: As urinating can lead to a bowel movement. [Admur ibid]

[5] 1^st opinion in Admur ibid; M”A ibid; Rosh Brachos 3:26; Tosafus brought in Rabbeinu Yerucham ibid

[6] 2^nd opinion in Admur ibid; Rav Haiy Gaon, brought in Rabbeinu Yerucham ibid, Rosh ibid, and Rabbeinu Yona Brachos 23a

[7] Admur ibid; Beis Yosef 46; Note: There is room for further analysis (Vetzaruch Iyun) based on Admur’s ruling in the Siddur that it is forbidden to have Sefarim revealed in the presence of feces, whether this would also apply here to improperly covered Sefarim in a bathroom, making it an actual prohibition and not merely a proper measure.

[8] Sheilas Yaavetz 1:10; Vayivarech David; Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah 2:77

[9] Chacham Tzevi brought in Sheilas Yaavetz ibid

[10] Rama Yoreh Deah 284:2 rules one may not write mundane matters in Ashuris. However, the custom is to be lenient. [See Aruch Hashulchan 283:13; 284:8; Tzur Yaakov 82; Rav Poalim 4:32; Sheilas Shlomo 2:93; Hisvadyos 1989 3:101] Igros Moshe ibid and Piskeiy Teshuvos 154:15 rule that from the letter of the law it may be entered, although there are those that are stringent.

What is Ashuris? Ashuris refers to square letters used to write a Sefer Torah. Regarding if our print is considered Ashuris-see Hisvadyos 1989 3:101 that it is not actual Ashuris but is similar to Ashuris and that is why many Sefarim were printed in Ksav Rashi.

[11] Admur 43:6 in parentheses: “(However in a bathroom that is in ones house they have the same law as Tefillin which are forbidden to be entered into it even if they are covered)”. This ruling of Admur is based on Michaber 43:7 who rules one may never enter Tefillin into the bathroom even if they are covered, and so rules Admur in 43:5. In 43:6 Admur applies this law also to Sefarim. This opinion of Admur is brought in Shaar HaTziyon 43:17; Kaf Hachaim 43:28. So is implied to also be the opinion of the Elya Raba brought in M”B 43:25. The Kaf Hachaim ibid concludes that one is to be stringent like Admur.

Other Poskim: There are Poskim who rule it is permitted to enter Sefarim even into a private bathroom, if they are covered with a non-designated cover. [M”B 43:25 based on Radbaz; Peri Megadim 43 A”A 14] The M”A 43:14 states it is permitted to enter covered Sefarim into a bathroom, although he does not mention if this includes even a private bathroom.

[12] This refers to a bathroom that is within a home and one is able to leave his belongings outside without worry of them getting stolen. [Admur 43:5]

[13] The reason: As since one is able to leave the Sefarim outside the bathroom, in the house, therefore there is no allowance to enter them into the bathroom for no need. [Admur 43:5 regarding Tefillin  and Admur applies the same rule to Sefarim]

[14] Admur 43:6 “However, it is permitted to enter them in their bag” based on M”A 43:14 and so rules Shesilei Zeisim 43:26; Kaf Hachaim 43:28 nevertheless the Kaf Hachaim ibid concludes that if one is able to guard the Sefarim outside the bathroom he is to be stringent even then.

[15] This refers to a bathroom that is within a public area and one is hence unable to leave his belongings outside due to worry of them getting stolen. [Admur 43:5]

[16] The reason: As if one were to leave it outside there is chance of it getting stolen. [43:5]

[17] 43:4; Michaber 43:6; If the Sefarim are covered by their own designated covering [i.e. a covering that was designated to be used for the Sefer] then it is nullified to the Sefer and the Sefer is considered as if it was uncovered. If however the cover has a Tefach of space then it is not nullified to the Sefer. [Admur ibid] The reason why if it has a Tefach it is valid is because it is considered like an Ohel. [M”A 43:13] Vetzaruch Iyun as to the definition of a Tefach. Does it mean a Tefach of space that is hovering over the Sefer, such as if the Sefer is in a box or does it mean that the vessel has the total space of a Tefach inside? Seemingly the former is correct and only if the bag contains a Tefach of width and a Tefach of hovering space over the Sefarim is it considered an Ohel. [see 315:17]

[18] Amur 43:6; M”A 43:14

The reason: This allowance was only given by Tefillin. The reason why Tefillin are more lenient than other Torah books in this regard is because Tefillin are constantly with a person and thus the sages did not want to require a person to have to constantly go home to put away his Tefillin before entering a bathroom. Torah books however can initially be left at home, and therefore the sages did not feel the need to be lenient. [ibid]

[19] Ruling in Shulchan Aruch: The concept of entering a Sefer with a double covering into a bathroom is not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch. It however is mentioned in 40:3 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Tefillin; 40:8 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Sefarim. Michaber 240:6 regarding having Tashmish in a room with Sefarim; Admur 315:5 regarding having Tashmish and doing ones needs in a room with Sefarim. In all these Halacha’s it is ruled that a double covering permits the act.

[20] Machatzis Hashekel 43:14; Elya Raba brought in M”B 43:25 and so rules M”B ibid bringing an opinion that is lenient even if it only has one undesignated covering. So concludes Piskeiy Teshuvos 43:3

Ruling of Admur: in 43:6 Admur simply writes it is forbidden to enter Sefarim into a private bathroom even if they are covered. He does not mention a difference between two coverings or a single cover. However in 315:4 Admur rules one may do his needs in front of Sefarim that contain two coverings, hence implying like the opinion of the Machatzis Hashekel that two coverings always permit the entrance of Sefarim. However perhaps one can say that case is different as we do not require one to take the items out of his room in order for him to do his needs and rather suffice with a double covering, just like we rule by Tashmish. However to initially enter the Sefarim into a bathroom perhaps Admur never agreed that it is allowed. Vetzaruch Iyun.

[21] Kaf Hachaim 43:30 based on Ateres Zikeinim 43 regarding Tefillin and seemingly the same would apply regarding Sefarim, as rules Admur 43:6 that they have the same law as Tefillin regarding a private bathroom.

[22] Heard from Harav Asher Lemel Hakohen, and so is the custom.

[23] Peri Megadim 40 A”A 2; M”B 40:4; Ohel Yosef 2 brought in Kaf Hachaim 40:14; Ashel Avraham Butchach 240 leaves this matter in doubt.

[24] Birkeiy Yosef 154 in Shiyurei Bracha; Chesed Lealafim 240:8; Kaf Hachaim 40:14 rules to be lenient by all printed Sefarim of today; Taharas Yisrael 240:56

[25] As it is within a double covering and the lenient opinion above allows entering Sefarim into a bathroom if they are doubly covered.

[26] Shut Mahrsham 3:357; Michzei Eliyahu 1:8; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 43 footnote 13

[27] As a) Many Poskim [unlike Admur] hold that by Sifrei Kodesh one covering always suffices, b) Some Poskim [see Q&A] rule that the book cover whether hard or soft counts as a covering, [and thus according to them it is within two coverings] and c) Some Poskim hold that today’s print does not contain Kedusha. D) Some Poskim rule that all pockets are considered a double covering. [Piskeiy Teshuvos 43 footnote 13]

[28] As he rules that one may not enter Sefarim with a single covering into a private bathroom, and thus the first reason mentioned above in the allowance of the lenient Poskim does not apply. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid that perhaps in this case Admur would be lenient. Likewise perhaps a pocket is considered a double covering.]

[29] Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:125

[30] As in a public bathroom only one covering is required, and the pocket or bag serves as that covering. This is because the concern for theft or loss in a public setting overrides the usual prohibition against bringing Sefarim into a bathroom, provided the Sefer is not exposed and is not only wrapped in its own designated cover.