Siman - Berachos Daf 62
- Not wiping with the right hand
A significant part of the Daf focuses on proper and modest behaviors in the bathroom.
A number of reasons are given as to why the right hand should be given honor and not be used for the base purpose of wiping oneself:
a. The Torah was given with Hashem’s right hand as it says – מימינו אש דת למו – From His right hand, the fire of the Law was given.
b. It is generally used for noble act of eating.
c. One ties tefillin on his left arm with one’s right hand.
d. One shows the cantillation notes of the Torah with his right hand. The hand used for a holy purpose should not be used for a profane one.
- Not showing proper respect to clothing
Whoever dishonors clothing in the end will not benefit from them. – כל המבזה את הבגדים סוף אינו נהנה מהם.
This is learned from the incident when Dovid quietly cut off the corner of Shaul’s cloak when Shaul went into a cave to discreetly relieve himself. Dovid did this to demonstrate that he had been able to cause greater harm to Shaul but chose not to. Nevertheless, since he dishonored Shaul’s garment, Dovid was punished in his later years when his own garments did not provide him warmth.
- Shortcuts in shul
Although one is not permitted to use a shul as a shortcut, if one initially entered to daven there he may leave through a different exit even though it will end up being a shortcut.
