Decency in the Lavatory

1. One should accustom himself to go to the lavatory evening and morning, for this causes alertness and cleanliness.

2. He who defers his needs is violating a command of the Torah.

3. One should be modest also in the lavatory. He should not expose himself until it is necessary, and then only as much as is necessary. This is true both by day and by night.

4. When one eases himself — in case of emergency — in the open, he should face either South or North, and never East or West. But if there is a wall, his back should be to the wall, regardless of direction.

5. The above reservations do not apply in the case of urination.

6. In the lavatory, it is forbidden to think of matters of the Torah.

7. One should wipe himself thoroughly. If any excrement is left, he cannot utter any holy words.

8. After moving one’s bowels or urinating he must wash his hands and say the benediction Asher Yotzar:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has formed man in wisdom, and created within him numerous orifices and cavities. It is revealed and known before the Throne of Your Glory that if but one of them were to be blocked, or one of them were to be opened, it would be impossible to exist even for a short while. Blessed are You, Lord, who heals all flesh and performs wonders.

9. If he forgot to wash his hands and to make the benediction, and he reminded himself the next time he went to the lavatory, he need but make one benediction.

10. If he takes a laxative and must go several times, he should say the benediction only when he knows that he is done.