Hi thank you for taking the time to read my quetion,i sometimes need to use the restroom in other places (example like going in a restaurant and using the restroom). Do I always need to ask the person in charge of the place if I can use the restroom?
Answer:
This depends on the nature of the place. For a restaurant, which is a private establishment, and for which the general assumption is that the restroom is for those eating in the restaurant, and not for general passers-by. The person in charge should therefore be asked before using the restroom. In 99% of cases the person in charge will give his consent.
Aside from the halachic consideration, it would also be more comfortable to ask, rather than risk being “caught.”
What is the halacha in the case of using a shul’s facilities where I’m not a member (different neighborhood, city etc)?
Can I assume that any shul or yeshivs is willing to let all those passing by to use their restrooms? Do I need to find a “gabbai” and ask him (not always practical)?
For a shul, consent can be assumed. The gabbai, or whoever is in charge, would surely not want you to transgress the prohibition bal teshaktzu, and this is common practice for shuls and yeshivas. Some yeshivas put up a notice forbidding use of facilities for the public, and in that case, permission would have to be given.
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