Q&A: Regarding the Name of God in the Bathroom
Regarding the Name of God in the Bathroom
Question
I wanted to ask whether it is permitted to bring books that are not sacred books into the bathroom if they mention the word “God,” and if not, whether there is any distinction between this and the other names. And in your opinion, are household bathrooms considered filthy passageways, and if so, should one distinguish between different places?
Answer
Simply speaking, household bathrooms are also considered filthy passageways.
Regarding books that contain words of Torah, many have been lenient, but when sacred names appear it is difficult to be lenient. However, the name “Elohim,” spelled with a vav, is in my opinion not a sacred name but an appellation. If the word is mentioned not in reference to the Holy One, blessed be He, but as an expression like “mighty powers,” for example, or the god of idolatry, there is no problem, because it has no sanctity.