Berachot 62: Bathroom Habits

The rabbis continue to discuss bathroom habits in today's daf.  From which direction to face to standards of modesty to which hand to wipe with, the rabbis discuss these topics in depth.  After each uncomfortable conversation, the rabbi in question will say, "It is Torah, and I must learn".  

Here is where we learn the story of Rav Kahana who lay beneath Rav's bed while Rav chatted and laughed with his wife as they had sexual relations.  Rav Kahana told rav that Abba (Rav) is like a person who has never eaten a cooked dish - this is interpreted as meaning that he was very lustful.  Rav then said, Kahana you are here?! Leave, as this is an undesirable mode of behaviour.  Rav Kahana said, "It is Torah, and I must learn".  

The rabbis speak further about whether or not we may use the right hand for wiping.  They also discuss where one may defecate.  It is notable that the rabbis were aware that people did not want to go too far from their fields, especially at night, while going far enough from their food items to ensure that they will remain ritually pure.  They note that one is righteous if s/he goes as far at the nighttime as in the day time.

Superstitious beliefs are recorded as well regarding bathroom behaviours.  People were afraid of arousing demons.  Touching around the anus and then sitting protects us from those demons, but sitting and then touching requires an incantation against the sorcery.

More discussion follows on the topic of health, including:

• lie down on all beds, except for the ground
• sit on all seats except for a beam
• sleeping at dawn is like forging is to iron
• a bowel movement at dawn is as beneficial as forging is to iron
• if you are hungry do not delay eating
• if you are thirsty, drink
• while the pot is still boiling pour it out before it cools (this refers to urination)
• when the horn for selling figs in Rome is sounded, sell figs

In some places, the habits are different than others.  In Seir, we know that a locked bathroom door means that someone is inside.  Speaking in the bathroom is "not a desired mode of behaviour".

The rabbis speak of David and Saul and David's mercy.  They go on to discuss how we should behave in the presence of the Temple.