Points you don’t want to miss:
In identifying precisely what leftover presence of urine would restrict Torah study and blessings, the Talmud discusses different standards to consider. These include, after absorption into a cloth or the ground, if 1) it is wet enough that if touched by hand, it would make the hand wet enough to make something else wet, 2) it is merely wet, or 3) it is absorbed but its imprint/stain is still seen.
These precise standards come up in other areas of Jewish law. For example in the laws of Shabbos (when squeezing a cloth is prohibited), one may not handle a cloth that is so wet that if touched by hand would make the hand wet enough to wet something else. But if the cloth is not that wet (such as is typical after the washing machine has finished the final spin cycle and largely wrung the clothing out of their moisture) it may be handled on Shabbos, and is not Muktzeh.
Another related topic is the law of “Kisuy Hadam,” the Mitzvah to cover the blood of a bird (or non-domesticated animal, such as a deer) after ritual slaughter. If per-chance someone did not cover the blood promptly, this Mitzva is still relevant as long as the impression/stain of the blood is still present on the dirt. (see Shulchan Aruch-Yoreh Deah 28:16)
****************************************
Praying the Amidah is considered standing “In front of the King.” As such, the level of reverence required is greater that what is required to recite Shema. According to strict law, one could recite Shema without a shirt. But for prayer, as it is considered standing “In front of the King,” a shirt is required.
On a practical level, it is best to be properly covered for Shema as well. But the Talmud always pushes to identify what is absolutely required. In this way we know what leniencies may be used in unusual cases such as one who realizes that he needs to saw Shema now, or he will miss the proper time, and was on his way into a shower, and is not wearing a shirt at this moment. Knowing that a shirt is not technically required enables him to recite Shema and do the Mitzva immediately, without delay.
******************************************
could it be that the logic of covering poop is enough even w glass because it contains the smell? And the smell is more distracting than the look, same with a diaper being changed? If there is glass it contains the smell so doesn’t distract you as much.
Also, I’m curious about why you chant some parts of the Talmud. Is it away to honor the studying of Torah? Thank you Rabbi
Hi Ana,
The unique ruling in the case of excrement, is that the prohibition is not on seeing, but rather as an obligation to cover. This is in contrast to a provocative scene or sighting in which the prohibition is to see, and covering with a see through method such as glass will not help. The case of a glass covering was chosen by the Talmud in classic Talmudic fashion as an example where one set of laws would be satisfied, and another set of laws would not be satisfied.
Regarding the tune: For the most part I try to keep the presentations to standard communication, by reading and explaining. But there is a robust culture of Talmud study which includes tunes, inflections, and expressions. By way of education, and when needed to properly express a concept, I will share some of that as we go along.
Be well! Thanks for sharing!