10. Bathroom – Is it permitted for one to say a blessing if he feels the urge to use the bathroom?[1]

No. One who feels the urge to use the bathroom is prohibited from saying a blessing.[2]

• Example: Imagine someone is about to eat a meal and feels the urge to use the bathroom. According to the rule, they should first go to the bathroom, and only afterward say the blessing over the food.

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[1] See Admur 6:1 “It is forbidden to recite a blessing if one feels the urge to use the bathroom.”; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 2:7, brought in Ketzos Hashulchan 2:9; See regarding the law applicable to prayers: Siddur Admur; Basra 3:11; 92:2; Michaber 92:1-2; Biur Halacha 92:1 “Afilu”; Gemara Makos 16b; Piskeiy Teshuvos 185:1

[2] The reason: Although the main discussion in the Poskim is regarding the prohibition against praying if one feels the urge to use the bathroom, nonetheless, we also find in the Poskim a restriction against saying blessings if one feels the urge to use the bathroom, and in fact this is the reason why we don’t say a blessing right away when we wash hands in the morning next to the bed and rather wash our hands a second time after leaving the bathroom, this time with a blessing. This is learnt from the verse “My innards will bless G-d”, thus implying that one needs to empty his innards of feces and urine prior to saying a blessing. [See Poskim ibid]