Is My Tallit Allowed in the Bathroom?

Question:

At the synagogue, I see that many men remove their prayer shawls (tallit) outside the bathroom. Is that just for convenience or is there something more to it?

If there is an issue with wearing the tallit into the bathroom, what about the ritual fringes (tzitzit) worn under the clothing?

Answer:

Out of respect, it is customary not to take garments donned specifically for prayer into the bathroom or any place where people are undressed, such as a shower room.

This also applies to the prayer sash (gartel)1 and to the white robe (kittel) worn during the solemn services of the holiday of Yom Kippur.

It is okay, however, to wear tzitzit2 into the bathroom, because they are worn all day and are not specifically associated with prayer.3

For more insights on tzitzit, please see our Tallit and Tzitzit section.