17. Entering with Tzitzis and other holy garments into the bathroom: [1]
It is permitted to enter with Tzitzis into a bathroom being that this does not appear so much as belittlement of the Mitzvah.[2] Nevertheless it is not proper[3] to enter into the bathroom with a Tallis Gadol being that it is designated only for prayer.[4] The same applies regarding the Kittle on Yom Kippur, that when one goes to relieve himself, he needs to remove the Kittle prior to doing so being it is only designated for prayer.[5]
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Q&A May one put on his Tallis Katan in the bathroom?[6] Yes.
Must one remove his Gartel prior to using the bathroom?[7] Yes, as it is designated only for prayers. However those that wear an inner gartle over their Tzitzis are not required to remove it, being that it is not designated only for prayer.
Should one remove his hat or jacket prior to entering the bathroom? Some[8] write that one is to remove all garments of clothing that are designated to be worn when praying and looking dignified. Thus one is to remove his Kapata and hat prior to using the bathroom. Some were accustomed to even remove their shoes, and wear other shoes, when entering the bathroom.[9] This however is no longer practiced today.
Is the Tallis, Kittle and Gartel to be removed even if one is only entering the bathroom to urinate, or for other purposes? Some Poskim[10] rule it is permitted to urinate while wearing the above garments. This applies even if one enters into a bathroom to urinate.[11] Nevertheless the custom is to be stringent in this matter and remove the Tallis [and above clothing] prior to entering a bathroom or bathhouse[12], and so seems to be the opinion of Admur.[13] Likewise even if one is urinating outside a bathroom, the above items should be removed.[14]
May one enter the above clothing into the washroom or bathtub in order to be washed?[15] Yes.
May one enter the above clothing into a Mikveh?[16] One is not to do so unless the Tallis is placed into a bag, or one is in the changing room and there is no one undressed.
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[1] Admur 21:3; Michaber 21:3
[2] As it is meant to serve as clothing and not only for the Mitzvah. [ibid]
Other Opinions: Sefer Chassidim 775 writes that there are people who remove all clothing that contain Tzitzis [including their Tallis Katan] when going to the bathroom.
Those that wear the Tallis Katan over their clothing: Some Poskim rule that the above only applies to a Tallis Katan that is worn under the clothing, however those that wear a Tallis Katan over the clothing are to remove it before entering into the bathroom. [Halachos Ketanos 2:57; Makor Chaim of Chavos Yair 21:3; So is implied from Taz 21:3 that the reason for the allowance is because it is covered; Ben Ish Chaiy Bireishis 9] Others however rule this is not necessary. [Peri Megadim 21 M”Z 3] and so is implied from Admur who explains the reason for the allowanced based on that it is a regular clothing, unlike the Taz which mentions the fact it is covered.
[3] It is merely not proper; it is however not forbidden from the letter of the law. [See Biur Halacha 588 “Shema”]
[4] Admur ibid; Taz 21:3; Ely Zuta 21:3; Poskim in Kaf Hachaim 21:13
The reason: As one does not serve his master with the same clothing that he cooks in, and hence it is improper to wear such clothing in a bathroom. [Taz ibid]
[5] Admur ibid; Taz 21:3; Ely Zuta 21:3; Poskim in Kaf Hachaim 21:13
[6] Minchas Shlomo 1:1
[7] See Mishneh Halachos 11:23; Vayivarech David 2:19; Beir Sarim 4:56; Piskeiy Teshuvos 21:3
[8] Oar Tzaddikim Tikkun Hatefila 83; Kav Hayashar 46; Sefer Chassidim 775; See Kaf Hachaim 21:14
[9] See Kav Hayashar ibid; and Ashel Avraham Butchach
[10] Mateh Efraim 610:12; M”B 21:14; Poskim in Kaf Hachaim 21:13
[11] Mateh Efraim 610:12
[12] Aruch Hashulchan 21:6; See also Ginas Veradim Klal 2:25; Leket Yosher p. 6
[13] Admur 21:3 plainly writes that it is not proper to enter with these items into a bathroom and does not differentiate between whether one is entering to urinate or for a different reason. Perhaps this also explains the difference in wording that by entering a bathroom he writes “it is not proper” while by defecation he writes “one must remove”.
[14] Aruch Hashulchan ibid
[15] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 21 footnote 50
[16] Piskeiy Teshuvos 21:3; See Admur 45:3 that one is not to enter into the changing area of a bathhouse unless no one is naked inside at that moment.