עברית
Halachot and Customs
Hand Washing in the Bathroom
Question
Hello.
I understand from what I learned in one of the classes that the Rabbi said that nowadays bathrooms are less impure than they used to be because of the presence of toilets and pipes, etc. My question is: if we wash our hands in the morning and after using the restroom, is it permissible to wash in the restroom itself since it is less impure? This would make it much easier for us than going to wash in the kitchen. Of course, when washing for bread we do so in the kitchen, and when washing in the morning we come out with wet hands and recite the blessing for hand washing outside the restroom. Is this acceptable?
Thank you in advance
Answer
Greetings,
One may not be lenient in washing in a bathroom that contains a toilet, except in a time of need when there is no other place to wash hands. Even then, one must ensure to recite the blessing only outside the restroom (Responsa Yechave Da'at, Part 3, Section 1). Therefore, since you have the option to wash your hands in the kitchen, it is not permissible to wash hands in the bathroom unless there is no toilet in it (and even when there is no toilet, the blessing for hand washing should be recited outside).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
