Showering before Davening

743. Showering before Davening

There is a g’zeiras Chazal (Rabbinic decree) restricting certain melachah (work) when the z’man (appropriate time) for davening arrives, so as not to distract us from our primary obligation of davening. Bathing is included in the types of melachah that are restricted before Minchah.

When it comes to bathing before Shacharis, poskim tell us that it is a davar she’eino matzui (an uncommon practice) and therefore Chazal did not include it in the restricted activities in the morning. However, this allowance only applies to the early morning hours; once the z’man for Shacharis arrives, we are restricted from bathing as with other tefillos (prayers).

Men’s mikvaos are outfitted with showers, and indeed mikvah users are expected to utilize them before their morning dip. The dispensation on showering off at the mikvah considers it l’tzorech rabim (to meet the needs of many) by keeping the mikvah waters hygienic for all mikvah-goers. (Showering after the mikvah is addressed in Halachah #604).

For those who shower at home in the morning, there is also room for leniency when it is done to enable better concentration during davening. Showering, unlike the original practice of bathing that entailed prolonged visits to bathhouses, is usually done with alacrity. Some are strict to limit it to a quick rinse with water, but the common custom is that soap may be used—though it should be done quickly and not extended for enjoyment. Indeed, the Rambam states that it is proper to wash our face, hands and feet in the honor of our Creator before presenting ourselves to Him for the morning prayers.

https://halacha2go.com?number=743

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.