13. Bathroom Habits

4:1 A person should accustom himself to take care of his bathroom needs every morning and evening so that he should remain mentally alert and physically clean. If a person is unable, he should walk a small distance and try again. One who neglects to attend to his bodily needs is in violation of the Biblical injunction “you shall not make yourselves abominable” (Leviticus 11:43). The Mishnah Brurah informs us that one need not relieve himself as soon as the urge strikes. For example, one can wait until he reaches a suitable location (3:31). Similarly, if one is teaching Torah, he need not excuse himself prematurely to go (92:7).

4:2 As we discussed in 1:1, even when we’re “alone,” we’re still in God’s presence, so we shouldn’t disrespect Him by acting immodestly. This is true even in the lavatory. Even there, a person should behave as modestly as circumstances allow. One should also be careful about the cleanliness of his clothes. One should not defecate in front of another person, but one may urinate in front of others if one must, albeit in a discreet manner. (Mishnah Brurah 3:16 tells us that if one absolutely must defecate in front of others, he may do so discreetly.)