עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to enter the bathroom with a necklace on which there is a verse?
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi,
I have a gold necklace with a pendant on which is written the phrase May Hashem bless you and keep you in hebrew. I understood that it is forbidden to enter the bathroom with the necklace or to go shower with it. Is that correct? For now I have taken off the necklace until I receive an answer from the Rabbi, thank you.
Answer
Good week,
Yes, one may not enter the bathroom with a necklace on which there is a verse, even without the name of Hashem, unless it is covered. One who is strict to place two coverings will be blessed (see Responsa Az Nedabru, part 8, siman 49, letter 1, and Responsa Tzitz Eliezer, part 16, siman 30).
And in truth, since it is very difficult to remember each time to cover the necklace, one should refrain from wearing such a necklace, out of concern that one will enter the bathroom with it uncovered (see Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, siman 283, seif 4, and Taz and Shach there).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
