**Please see message below about this summer's daily bus from deal to NYC with Rabbi Mansour.**
If a person feels the need to use the restroom, and he feels he would be unable to restrain himself for more than another 72 minutes, he may not recite any Beracha or study Torah until after he uses the restroom. This applies to all Berachot, including the Berachot recited when washing one's hands before a meal, before counting the Omer, and before eating food. Regardless of the type of Beracha, it may not be recited if a person figures that he cannot restrain himself for more than a 72-minute period. If one feels capable of restraining himself for more than 72 minutes, then he may recite Berachot or learn Torah before using the restroom. (Halacha Berura, Helek 5, page 284.)
Regarding prayer, the Shulchan Aruch rules (92:1) that a person who needs to use the restroom may not pray, even if he feels capable of restraining himself for a period longer than 72 minutes. This Halacha stems from the principle known as "Hikon Likrat Elokecha Yisrael" (literally, "Prepare to greet your God, O Israel"), which requires one to ensure before praying that his body is in a condition suitable for approaching the Almighty.
If a person feels a sudden urge to use the restroom in the middle of a recitation of the Amidah, he should first complete the Amidah and then go to the restroom, even if he experiences a dire need. If he can’t wait that long, he may then interrupt the Amidah to use the restroom. If he interrupted for the amount of time that he could have prayed the entire Amidah, then he must start from the beginning of the Amidah. If it is less, the he continues where he left off.
Summary: A person who feels even a slight need to use the restroom may not pray until he does so. He may, however, recite Berachot or study Torah, unless the urge is so strong that he would be unable to restrain himself for a period longer than 72 minutes. If one suddenly feels the need to use the restroom during the Amidah, he should first complete the Amidah, but, he may interrupt the Amidah if is a dire need.
(Halacha Berura, Helek 5, pages 286-287.)
End Halacha
**Special Message**
Dear Torah Bus Commuters
Baruch Hashem --the summer of 2007 is almost here & another "Kiddush Hashem" commute on the TORAH BUS. We have some changes this summer, so, please read below & respond as soon as you are able. In the past, we have reserved seats of prior year members, this summer will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Bus #1 Rabbi Leon Hazan, will be teaching us again this summer. The bus leaves from Deal shul at 7.10am to 34th St, along Norwood stopping at Park Ave & continuing to 34th St, NYC.
Bus #2 Rabbi Eli Mansour, will be joining us again teaching the Daf Yomi on the bus. The bus leaves from Deal shul at 8.00am, stopping at Lawrence Ave shul, along Norwood stopping at Park Ave & continuing to 34th St, NYC .
Afternoon schedule- At this point, unless we have larger demand, there will be only 1 bus returning home. The bus will depart from 35h street between Broadway & 7th. Minha will be on the bus at 5.30pm (& Arbit will be as we arrive to Deal.) The bus will depart at 5.45pm prompt.
As in the past, we include breakfast, with; bagels, muffins, coffee, orange juice, water etc. In the afternoons, there will be snacks and refreshments for the commute home.
The cost of the bus has been kept to a minimum, even though the bus company & gas prices have risen dramatically. The cost will be:
full member 2,000
morning only 1,000
2 day/week 1,200
We all know the importance of Torah learning. Sponsorships will be available this summer. Daily ($360), weekly ($1,000) or monthly ($2,600). Sponsorships are still available.
The buses will begin Monday June 25 thru Thursday Aug 23. This is a tremendous opportunity to be part of a special unique group. This is a real Kiddush Hashem, to utilize & value your time and learn Torah.
Each bus is limited to 28 seats. Seating and memberships are on a first come first serve basis. Please reserve your spot early.
Checks can be made to Torah Learning Resources, a non profit organization, and can be mailed to
Leo Mizrachi c/o Eastman footwear
34 West 33rd St , Suite 1212, NY NY 10001
We expect to be sold out within the next few weeks. Please email or call any of the following people to confirm your seats:
Leo Mizrachi Leom@efny.com (212) 931-8592
Max Mizrachi maxm@efny.com (212) 629-0282 x 226
Abe Haddad Abe@bbkkids.com (212) 725-2900 x 118
