Q&A: Speaking in the Bathroom
Speaking in the Bathroom
Question
Sorry for the question, is it permitted to speak while using the bathroom?
Answer
There are surveys/reviews online: https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%93%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA%D7%99%D7%9D-2/
Discussion on Answer
It’s not because of demons. There are kabbalists who added that too. Maimonides brings this Jewish law, and he omits laws that are based on demons.
This law is not mentioned in the Shulchan Arukh at all (the Rema does bring it. Orach Chayim 3:2).
Maimonides brings this Jewish law in the Laws of Character Traits only for Torah scholars, and because of modesty. In the Laws of the Reading of the Shema in Maimonides, it simply seems that other people may speak in the bathroom, as indeed can be inferred from the Laws of Character Traits.
But with all due respect, Rabbi, if the whole reason is because of harmful spirits and demons, doesn’t that connect to all the anachronistic Jewish laws where you advocate changes?