Does the presence of a change in domain (e.g., excrement in a separate room or on a platform 10 tefachim high) permit prayer when there is no smell?
Synopsis
When excrement is in a separate halakhic domain — either elevated 10 tefachim, sunken 10 tefachim, or in a separate room — there is a dispute about whether this permits prayer even when the excrement is visible.
More in Prayer Near Urine and Feces
How far must one distance himself from human excrement that is behind him or to his side in order to recite Shema or pray?
4 opinions across 3 eras
How far must one distance himself from human excrement in front of him in order to recite Shema or pray?
4 opinions across 3 eras
What is the status of excrement that is to one's side (not directly in front or behind)?
3 opinions
May a prayer leader (shatz) continue praying when there is excrement anywhere in the synagogue or room?
3 opinions
Does a domain change (separate room, elevated surface) permit prayer when there IS a bad smell from the excrement?
3 opinions across 3 eras
What is the status of a small courtyard (chatzer ketana) that opens into a larger courtyard — may one pray in the larger when excrement is in the smaller?
2 opinions
What is the law regarding excrement of dogs or pigs — must one distance from them as from human excrement?
2 opinions
What is the law regarding moist donkey excrement (after the donkey returned from a journey), cat or weasel excrement, or a putrid carcass — must one distance from them?
4 opinions
Related from other topics
Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in prayer-related study?
Not Passing Before Someone Praying
Is one permitted to sit within four cubits if engaged in Torah study not related to prayer?
Not Passing Before Someone Praying
Is it permitted to pass gas at all during prayer, or must one hold back even at the cost of discomfort?
Bodily Needs During Prayer
Is it permitted to pass gas during prayer when wearing tefillin?
Bodily Needs During Prayer
If one prayed a second time intending it to be voluntary due to doubt, but then one's intention or conditions change mid-prayer, may one continue praying?
Rain Prayers
If one erred and mentioned a wrong day's prayer (e.g., Shabbat text on a weekday), is this considered an interruption?
Missed Prayers
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.