Thinking Torah Before Washing Hands in the Morning: Is It Permitted?
It is permitted to think words of Torah prior to washing hands after awakening in the morning.[1] This applies even if one slept without clothing, in which case we assume his hands touched the commonly covered areas of his body, nevertheless thinking words of Torah is permitted. Nevertheless one should not speak or even think words of Torah while still lying in his bed, [even if he has already washed his hands[2]], rather he should get up [and stand or sit in fear of Heaven[3]] as the verse states that one needs to prepare himself properly before he comes to greet G-d.[4]
[1] Siddur; Basra 1:6; Kama 1:5
To note that in the Basra 1:7 and Siddur when Admur writes of the prohibition of the Zohar against learning Torah before washing he uses the term “learn Torah” as opposed to “speak words of Torah” which he used regarding the prohibition that applies if one slept without clothing. However this is too weak of an argument to claim that according to the Zohar Admur rules it is forbidden to even think words of Torah. Vetzaruch Iyun.
Other Opinions: Yosef Ometz 198 writes one is not to even think words of Torah while the evil spirit resides on his hands.
[2] Basra ibid
[3] Basra ibid; In Kama ibid Admur states he should stand up and get dressed.
[4] Basra 1:6; Kama 1:1