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The Shulchan Aruch writes that one should not wipe one’s self after the restroom using one’s right hand. The Mishna Berurah writes that the reason behind this is that one performs the mitzvah of tying one's teffilin using his right hand. Additional reasons mentioned in the gemora are that the Torah was given with the right hand, people eat with their right hands, and one learns and teaches Torah with one's right hand. Even though some of these reasons do not apply to women, since others do, the commandment applies equally to women. (Ben Ish Chai and Rabbi Yakov Emden) Other Poskim are lenient (Machzik Bracha). 

Today, given that people use toilet paper many poskim (Shulchan Aruch Harav) say that this halacha is no longer applicable. However, others still recommend that the left hand be used. 

The Mishna Berurah mentions that "Rabbi Akiva Eiger writes in his notes quoting the Sefer Chasidim (#620) “when one exits the bathroom one should see to it that the place where one sat should be clean from any filth, perhaps his friend will come suddenly or at night and will not see. Rabbi Dovid Zucker commented regarding this that the Issur Deorisah in this situation of 'a man should not hate his fellow", applies in this situation. 

One should act modestly in the restroom during nighttime, similar to the manner in which one acts during the day. Rabbi Avigdor Neventzal writes that if one has a choice between a urnial or a stall one should choose the stall. 

Please send questions on the Daily Mishna Berurah learning to torah@adasyeshurun.com.

This email is intended as a supplement and review to your daily Mishna Berurah learning, but is available for everyone even if you do not participate in the program.  We will be following the Dirshu Schedule. Please understand that these emails should not be relied upon for Halachic Psak. If there is something that you question, please ask. These emails are complied by Rabbi Mordechai Millunchck.

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