Points you don’t want to miss:

At first thought, it seems unlikely that one would encounter the full fledged example of Ervah (reciting a blessing in front of exposed genitals) and its restrictions. An example to pay attention to is that sometimes in a family setting, someone will change a baby’s diaper while other people are reciting a blessing, such as Birchas Hamazon, and think nothing of it. Indeed, unlike other examples of Ervah that have to do with causing improper thoughts, diapering a baby does not cause any improper thoughts. Nevertheless, such exposure restricts a person from reciting sacred text.

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One is not allowed to think of Torah in the bathroom, as this lacks sensitivity to the honor of Torah and is regarded as a disgrace. This does not mean that all constructive reading is forbidden. Texts from reputable authors that motivate, or help clarify one’s direction in life without actual use of verses, are permitted.

Great scholars found this restriction particularly challenging, as their life’s focus was so linked to textual study that their minds would naturally review their learning, which would be forbidden in the bathroom. As such, some scholars had particular constructive, somewhat challenging,  intellectual pursuits, which they designated for that time. It is said that the Vilna Gaon’s remarkable work on math was the result of such time, as was the Chazon Ish’s remarkable knowledge of medicine.

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