Asher Yatzar - If Forgotten

QUESTION: What should one do if he forgot to recite Asher Yatzar and by the time he remembers he needs to use the bathroom again?

ANSWER: The Mishnah Berurah (7:1) writes that poskim argue about this case. The Pri Megadim maintains that he may still recite Asher Yatzar. (It should be noted, however, that one who is desperate to use the bathroom is forbidden from davening and reciting any beracha whatsoever.) However, the Shaarei Teshuva cites many poskim who disagree. They argue that as soon as one needs to use the bathroom again, the original beracha may no longer be said.

Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach explains that this disagreement hinges on whether Asher Yatzar is a birkas hashevach or also a birkas hanehenin. If it is only a birkas hashevach, one must still praise Hashem, even if he needs to use the bathroom again. However, if it is also a birkas hanehenin, it would be like one who took a drink and forgot to recite Borei Nefashos. Once he becomes thirsty again, the beracha acharona is lost. One can no longer recite the birkas hanehenin since the benefit that they received is now gone. The Mishnah Berurah elsewhere (7:6) indicates that we are strict to follow the Shaarei Teshuva quoted above.

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