Bathing on Shabbat

Bathing on Shabbat Day: Friday Date: May 8, 2015 Parshat: Emor Yalkut Yosef: 326 It is forbidden to wash one's whole body on Shabbat with warm water even if it is done limb by limb as opposed to all at once. This is true regardless of whether the water was heated on Shabbat or before Shabbat. Washing most of one's body is considered to be the same as washing the whole body and is therefore also forbidden. Water that is warm but not to the point of "Yad Soledet Bo" may also not be used. (See DSH from June 8, 2014.) It is however permissable to wash small areas of one's body such as the face, hands and feet with warm water that was heated before Shabbat, with water that was heated by a non Jew for a non Jew, or with water that was heated by the sun. Such water is also permitted to be used to wash dishes where washing dishes is permissible on Shabbat. (See DSH from April 26 & 27, 2015.) It is permissible on Shabbat to bathe with cold water even if it is done all at once. Of course, one must be very careful not squeeze water out of his towel or hair. Ashkenazim are strict in this regard and do not bathe on Shabbat even in cold water. If an Ashenazi person is very uncomfortable due to exccesive heat or persperation, even he may shower in cold water on Shabbat. The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org