What degree of dryness must excrement reach before it is considered like dirt and permitted to recite Shema or pray in its presence?
Synopsis
The Talmud records two versions of the minimum dryness standard for excrement. The Mechaber rules it must crumble when thrown; the Rema (following Rashi, the Rosh, and the Tur) rules it must crumble when rolled — a stricter standard.
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Does the 'crumbling' necessary for excrement to be considered like dirt require complete fine crumbling, or does breaking into two or three pieces suffice?
2 opinions
Is excrement that has frozen solid in cold weather permitted to pray near, or is it treated as fully moist excrement?
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When urine has been absorbed into the ground (or clothing), what level of moisture remains makes it forbidden to pray near?
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Is the 'crumbling upon rolling' standard (Rema) understood as a stricter or more lenient test than the Mechaber's 'crumbling upon throwing' standard, and what is the underlying logic?
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Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
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