Brachos 62 - Bathroom etiquette, Spitting and using a shul as a shortcut - a podcast by Eran Netkin

1. Not wiping oneself with the right hand
A significant part of the Daf focuses on proper and modest behaviors in the bathroom.
A number of reasons are given as to why the right hand should be given honor and not be used for
the base purpose of wiping oneself:
a. The Torah was given with Hashem’s right hand as it says – למו דת אש מימינו –From His right
hand, the fire of the Law was given.
b. It is generally used for noble act of eating.
c. One ties tefillin on his left arm with one’s right hand.
d. One shows the cantillation notes of the Torah with his right hand. The hand used for a holy
purpose should not be used for a profane one.
2. Dishonoring clothing
Whoever dishonors clothing in the end will not benefit from them. – אינו סוף הבגדים את המבזה כל
.נהנה מהם
This is learned from the incident when Dovid quietly cut off the corner of Shaul’s cloak when Shaul
went into a cave to discreetly relieve himself. Dovid did this to demonstrate that he had been able
to cause greater harm to Shaul but chose not to. Nevertheless, since he dishonored Shaul’s
garment, Dovid was punished in his later years when his own garments did not provide him warmth.
3. Taking shortcuts through a shul
Although one is not permitted to use a shul as a shortcut, if one initially entered to daven he may
leave through a different exit even though it will end up being a shortcut.
Siman – Submarine captain
The submarine captain that was famous for doing everything with his right hand with his left one
tied behind his back, reprimanded his officers for not keeping their uniforms clean and for taking
shortcuts through the ship’s shul.
Key Words – right hand, clothing, shortcuts

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