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Showering on Yom Tov: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
'''Heating up water on [[Yom Tov]]'''
'''Heating up water on [[Yom Tov]]'''
<p class="indent">In the Mishna (Beitzah 2:5), Bet Shamai say that one may only heat up water for washing one’s feet and only to a temperature that one would be able to drink, while Bet Hillel permit heating up the water even as hot as needed to bathe. The Rif and Tosfot (Beitzah 21b) stipulate that Beit Hillel only permitted heating water on [[Yom Tov]] for one's hands and feet, but not for one's entire body. </p>
<p class="indent">In the Mishna ([https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%94_%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%94_%D7%91_%D7%94 Beitzah 2:5]), Bet Shamai say that one may only heat up water for washing one’s feet and only to a temperature that one would be able to drink, while Bet Hillel permit heating up the water even as hot as needed to bathe. The Rif and Tosfot (Beitzah 21b) stipulate that Beit Hillel only permitted heating water on [[Yom Tov]] for one's hands and feet, but not for one's entire body. </p>
'''The Rishonim's question'''
'''The Rishonim's question'''
<p class="indent">The Ran (Beitzah 11a) explains that Bet Hillel's opinion is based on the concept of Mitoch (since it’s permitted to cook for food on [[Yom Tov]], it’s also permitted to heat up water for bathing). This concept of mitoch is a subject of dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai in an earlier Mishna. The Mishna (Beitzah 1:5) records a dispute where Bet Hillel permitted [[carrying]] a child, [[Lulav]], or sefer torah in a public domain on [[Yom Tov]], and Bet Shamai prohibited. The Gemara (Beitza 12a) explains that this dispute is based on the concept of Mitoch, Beit Hillel accept it, while Beit Shammai do not. Since we always hold like Bet Hillel (Eiruvin 6b), Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 518:1 rules that we hold like Beit Hillel that there is a concept of mitoch. Seemingly, then it should be permitted to heat up water for washing one's entire body based on the concept of mitoch. </p>
<p class="indent">The Ran (Beitzah 11a) explains that Bet Hillel's opinion is based on the concept of Mitoch (since it’s permitted to cook for food on [[Yom Tov]], it’s also permitted to heat up water for bathing). This concept of mitoch is a subject of dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai in an earlier Mishna. The Mishna (Beitzah 1:5) records a dispute where Bet Hillel permitted [[carrying]] a child, [[Lulav]], or sefer torah in a public domain on [[Yom Tov]], and Bet Shamai prohibited. The Gemara (Beitza 12a) explains that this dispute is based on the concept of Mitoch, Beit Hillel accept it, while Beit Shammai do not. Since we always hold like Bet Hillel (Eiruvin 6b), Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 518:1 rules that we hold like Beit Hillel that there is a concept of mitoch. Seemingly, then it should be permitted to heat up water for washing one's entire body based on the concept of mitoch. </p>
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==Psak==
==Psak==


===Sephardic===
=== Sephardic ===
<p class="indent">One may not shower on [[Yom Tov]] with water heated on [[Yom Tov]], however, one may shower with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] as long as it is not in a bathhouse. One may shower on [[Yom Tov]] Sheni with water heated by an electric heater on [[Yom Tov]] Rishon, provided there is no incoming cold water that will be heated as it enters the tank. Water that was heated in a solar boiler (common in Israel) is considered like water that was heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one could shower one’s whole body in them on [[Yom Tov]]. <ref>Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Chazon Ovadya [[Yom Tov]] p. 41 and p. 157), Yalkut Yosef [[Shabbat]] Volume 4 Siman 326 page 58. [http://download.yutorah.org/2017/55086/879510.pdf Rav Eliyahu Ben Chaim] holds that it is permitted to shower in lukewarm water on Yom Tov.</ref></p>
One may not shower on [[Yom Tov]] with water heated on [[Yom Tov]], however, one may shower with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] as long as it is not in a bathhouse. A private bathroom isn't like a bathhouse.<ref>Chazon Ovadia Yom Tov p. 41. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/857702/rabbi-hershel-schachter/highlights-of-melachos-shabbos-ii/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Hilchot Shabbat Part 2, min 18)] disagreed and thought that the ''gezerat baalanim'' applies to a private home since the poskim didn't distinguish.</ref> One may shower on [[Yom Tov]] Sheni with water heated by an electric heater on [[Yom Tov]] Rishon, provided there is no incoming cold water that will be heated as it enters the tank. Water that was heated in a solar boiler (common in Israel) is considered like water that was heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one could shower one’s whole body in them on [[Yom Tov]]. <ref>Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Chazon Ovadya [[Yom Tov]] p. 41 and p. 157), Yalkut Yosef [[Shabbat]] Volume 4 Siman 326 page 58. [http://download.yutorah.org/2017/55086/879510.pdf Rav Eliyahu Ben Chaim] holds that it is permitted to shower in lukewarm water on Yom Tov.</ref>
<p class="indent">According to a ruling of Rav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita, in the Diaspora, when [[Yom Tov]] falls out on Thursday and Friday and leads into [[Shabbat]], colloquially known as a Three Day [[Yom Tov]], it is permissible to take a shower on [[Yom Tov]] as long as the water in the boiler was boiling before [[Yom Tov]] even if there is incoming water that will be heated as it enters the boiler. <ref>Rabbi Gavriel Elbaz (author of the English HalachaYomit.co.il site) as well as a few other Rabbis sent a question to Rav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita as to whether the lenient position Rav Ovadia Yosef took regarding a solar boiler could be applied to an electric boiler. The final ruling of Rav Yitzchak Yosef can be found on [http://halachayomit.co.il/Default.asp?HalachaID=1573 HalachaYomit.co.il in Hebrew] as well as [http://www.halachayomit.co.il/EnglishDisplayRead.asp?readID=1997 HalachaYomit.co.il in English]. See, however, another [http://www.halachayomit.co.il/displayRead.asp?ReadID=1996 article on HalachaYomit.co.il]. The Teshuvah was later printed in Shu"t HaRishon LeTzion vol. 2 Orach Chaim Siman 74.
 
According to a ruling of Rav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita, in the Diaspora, when [[Yom Tov]] falls out on Thursday and Friday and leads into [[Shabbat]], colloquially known as a Three Day [[Yom Tov]], it is permissible to take a shower on [[Yom Tov]] as long as the water in the boiler was boiling before [[Yom Tov]] even if there is incoming water that will be heated as it enters the boiler. <ref>Rabbi Gavriel Elbaz (author of the English HalachaYomit.co.il site) as well as a few other Rabbis sent a question to Rav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita as to whether the lenient position Rav Ovadia Yosef took regarding a solar boiler could be applied to an electric boiler. The final ruling of Rav Yitzchak Yosef can be found on [http://halachayomit.co.il/Default.asp?HalachaID=1573 HalachaYomit.co.il in Hebrew] as well as [http://www.halachayomit.co.il/EnglishDisplayRead.asp?readID=1997 HalachaYomit.co.il in English]. See, however, another [http://www.halachayomit.co.il/displayRead.asp?ReadID=1996 article on HalachaYomit.co.il]. The Teshuvah was later printed in Shu"t HaRishon LeTzion vol. 2 Orach Chaim Siman 74.


*The letter by Rabbi Elbaz included the following points. Please note that the following variables individually may not be accepted by the halacha, however, it is together that they formed a basis for a lenient position.
*The letter by Rabbi Elbaz included the following points. Please note that the following variables individually may not be accepted by the halacha, however, it is together that they formed a basis for a lenient position.
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*There is a minority opinion that considers the water that entered as grama. See Chazon Ovadia ([[Shabbat]] v. 4 p. 405).
*There is a minority opinion that considers the water that entered as grama. See Chazon Ovadia ([[Shabbat]] v. 4 p. 405).
*If it can be established that the water was heated up in a permitted fashion, then there is a discussion whether it is permitted to take a full body shower in those waters. See Shulchan Aruch 326 and 511, Halichot Olam (v. 4, p. 207), and Chazon Ovadia ([[Shabbat]] v. 6, p. 76-8).
*If it can be established that the water was heated up in a permitted fashion, then there is a discussion whether it is permitted to take a full body shower in those waters. See Shulchan Aruch 326 and 511, Halichot Olam (v. 4, p. 207), and Chazon Ovadia ([[Shabbat]] v. 6, p. 76-8).
*Lastly, perhaps for someone who is in pain there is room to be lenient. See Rabbi Akiva Eiger (307 and 326).</ref> In any event, this ruling does not address the issues of plucking out hairs or [[squeezing]] out hair, which are forbidden.</p>
*Lastly, perhaps for someone who is in pain there is room to be lenient. See Rabbi Akiva Eiger (307 and 326).</ref> In any event, this ruling does not address the issues of plucking out hairs or [[squeezing]] out hair, which are forbidden.


===Ashkenazik===
=== Ashkenazik ===
Many major authorities forbid taking a shower with hot water whether the water was heated before [[Yom Tov]] or on [[Yom Tov]]. However, one may wash one's body one limb at a time with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one may heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] to wash one’s face hands and feet. However, some authorities are lenient and hold that it's preferable to shower on [[Yom Tov]] with lukewarm water but it's even permitted to shower with hot water, however, one should not use very hot water. Nonetheless, it's imperative to be careful about certain concerns:  
Many major authorities forbid taking a shower with hot water whether the water was heated before [[Yom Tov]] or on [[Yom Tov]]. However, one may wash one's body one limb at a time with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one may heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] to wash one’s face hands and feet. However, some authorities are lenient and hold that it's preferable to shower on [[Yom Tov]] with lukewarm water but it's even permitted to shower with hot water, however, one should not use very hot water. Nonetheless, it's imperative to be careful about certain concerns:  


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[https://player.fm/series/yutorah-r-aryeh-lebowitz-recent-shiurim-1315098/ten-minute-halacha-rav-schachters-position-on-showering-on-yom-tov Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (March 2017) reexplained the issue and Rav Schachter's position and he retracted from his initial explanation of Rav Schachter's opinion. There he explained that Rav Schachter was only lenient if it is just warm enough that it is to remove the coldness of the water. The reason being that Shaar Hatziyun 511:25 citing Rabbi Akiva Eiger discusses whether the gezerah habaalanim only applies to yad soledet or even lukewarm. Bet Meir holds that lukewarm water is an issue. However, if it isn't warm but it is just removing the chill everyone agrees that gezerah habaalanim is permitted.
[https://player.fm/series/yutorah-r-aryeh-lebowitz-recent-shiurim-1315098/ten-minute-halacha-rav-schachters-position-on-showering-on-yom-tov Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (March 2017) reexplained the issue and Rav Schachter's position and he retracted from his initial explanation of Rav Schachter's opinion. There he explained that Rav Schachter was only lenient if it is just warm enough that it is to remove the coldness of the water. The reason being that Shaar Hatziyun 511:25 citing Rabbi Akiva Eiger discusses whether the gezerah habaalanim only applies to yad soledet or even lukewarm. Bet Meir holds that lukewarm water is an issue. However, if it isn't warm but it is just removing the chill everyone agrees that gezerah habaalanim is permitted.


*(3) Sh”t Mayim Chayim 1:29 (Rav Chaim Dovid HaLevi, Tel Aviv, 1991) agrees with the above proof, however, he disagrees with the assumption that nowadays the common custom is to shower daily and it’s not sufficient that it’s the custom to shower regularly (even once in two days). [He does admit that if he were in a very hot climate and it was actually the custom for everyone to take a shower every single morning then he’d permit.] (This is similar to the position taken by the Chazon Yechezkel Beitzah 2:7 but Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchata 21 note 21 questions it.)
*(3) Sh”t Mayim Chayim 1:29 (Rav Chaim Dovid HaLevi, Tel Aviv, 1991) agrees with the above proof, however, he disagrees with the assumption that nowadays the common custom is to shower daily and it’s not sufficient that it’s the custom to shower regularly (even once in two days). [He does admit that if he were in a very hot climate and it was actually the custom for everyone to take a shower every single morning then he’d permit.] (This is similar to the position taken by the Chazon Yechezkel Beitzah 2:7 but Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 21 note 21 questions it.)
*(4) However, Sh”t Bear Moshe 8:158-9 (Rav Moshe Stern, Brooklyn, NY, 1987) argues that the above sources aren’t a proof because in all those cases the contemporary custom was only considered in order to create a stringency beyond that which that was ruled in Shulchan Aruch. Therefore, Bear Moshe is unwilling to consider permitting heating water to shower on [[Yom Tov]].
*(4) However, Sh”t Bear Moshe 8:158-9 (Rav Moshe Stern, Brooklyn, NY, 1987) argues that the above sources aren’t a proof because in all those cases the contemporary custom was only considered in order to create a stringency beyond that which that was ruled in Shulchan Aruch. Therefore, Bear Moshe is unwilling to consider permitting heating water to shower on [[Yom Tov]].
*(5) Mishna Brurah 551:9 and 18 rules (like the Rama) that one may not take a shower a full body shower with hot water on [[Yom Tov]] whether the water was heated on [[Yom Tov]] or before, however, one may wash one's whole body part by part with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one may heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] to wash one's hands, feet, and face.
*(5) Mishna Brurah 551:9 and 18 rules (like the Rama) that one may not take a shower a full body shower with hot water on [[Yom Tov]] whether the water was heated on [[Yom Tov]] or before, however, one may wash one's whole body part by part with water heated before [[Yom Tov]] and one may heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] to wash one's hands, feet, and face.
*(6) In conclusion whether or not this definition of "a pleasurable activity enjoyed by all" in halacha can change most poskim are unwilling to rule leniently and rule in accordance with the Mishna Brurah even nowadays. This is the opinion of Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 14:7 (in old and new edition), [http://www.thehalacha.com/attach/Volume3/Issue18.pdf Halachically Speaking] quoting Horav Yisroel Belsky, Rivevot Ephraim i6:265, 8:248:1,  Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 6:20, 11:64, Avnei Yushfei 3:55 quoting Rav Elyashiv. [In the footnote (#21) of Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchata he discusses the topic at length and shows that there is some reason to be lenient but nonetheless doesn't rule that way.]
*(6) In conclusion whether or not this definition of "a pleasurable activity enjoyed by all" in halacha can change most poskim are unwilling to rule leniently and rule in accordance with the Mishna Brurah even nowadays. This is the opinion of Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 14:7 (in old and new edition), [http://www.thehalacha.com/attach/Volume3/Issue18.pdf Halachically Speaking] quoting Horav Yisroel Belsky, Rivevot Ephraim i6:265, 8:248:1,  Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 6:20, 11:64, Avnei Yushfei 3:55 quoting Rav Elyashiv. [In the footnote (#21) of Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata he discusses the topic at length and shows that there is some reason to be lenient but nonetheless doesn't rule that way.]
*(7) Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen in his book "The Laws of [[Yom Tov]]" basically agrees to all of the above and adds that it's customary to refrain from even a cold shower on [[Yom Tov]] unless there it is a case of discomfort and that it's permitted to heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] for the purpose of washing a minor part of the body. Lastly, Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen adds that washing any part of the body in a shower or bathtub is forbidden unless one is partly clothed. Rav Chaim Jachter on [http://www.koltorah.org/ravj/Showering_on_Yom_Tov_1.html koltorah.org] points out that one should not distinguish in this regard between the first and second day of [[yom tov]] simply because the second day is rabbinic, as the Aruch Hashulchan 511:11 says this is degrading to [[Yom tov sheni]].</ref>
*(7) Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen in his book "The Laws of [[Yom Tov]]" basically agrees to all of the above and adds that it's customary to refrain from even a cold shower on [[Yom Tov]] unless there it is a case of discomfort and that it's permitted to heat up water on [[Yom Tov]] for the purpose of washing a minor part of the body. Lastly, Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen adds that washing any part of the body in a shower or bathtub is forbidden unless one is partly clothed. Rav Chaim Jachter on [http://www.koltorah.org/ravj/Showering_on_Yom_Tov_1.html koltorah.org] points out that one should not distinguish in this regard between the first and second day of [[yom tov]] simply because the second day is rabbinic, as the Aruch Hashulchan 511:11 says this is degrading to [[Yom tov sheni]].</ref>


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