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Are there any halachic guidelines when a child tells the parent that he wants to go to bathroom during the Amidah?

This occurred to me multiple times, with my 4-year-old who can use the bathroom alone (although cannot yet wipe for himself). Part of the problem that during the way there is a heavy door which he cannot open alone.

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  • related: judaism.stackexchange.com/a/113917/31534
    – Rabbi Kaii
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 17:13
  • I asked my rav and waiting for the answer. In the meantime, I've found that Piskei Teshuvah 104:1 mentions and allows this case, without quoting any sources or explanation.
    – Binyomin
    Commented Mar 13, 2023 at 18:02
  • Allows what exactly? Your question doesn't actually specify anything specific
    – Rabbi Kaii
    Commented Mar 13, 2023 at 18:09
  • It lists among those examples for which are permitted to interrupt with halicha. ibb.co/zHg8j8K
    – Binyomin
    Commented Mar 13, 2023 at 19:17

1 Answer 1

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I am afraid the Shulchan Arukh does not allow it, except by shortening the prayer as follows:

One must not interrupt the Amidah. Even if a Jewish king greets him he should not answer. However, with a non-Jewish king, if it is possible to complete the prayer by shortening it before the king reaches him, one should do so, by saying the beginning and ending of each remaining blessing. Or, if it is possible to move to the side of the road and thereby avoid having to interrupt one’s prayer, one should do so. In any case, one should avoid speaking during one’s prayer, but if that is impossible one should interrupt by speaking. [SA, OC 104:1]

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    Thank you! But my case never really involves speaking, my son understands completely that I am not allowed to talk then. It is just about going away and returning. Which might be somewhat similar to moving to the side in your quotation?
    – Binyomin
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 16:22
  • I would interpret it that way, yes.
    – Maurice Mizrahi
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 16:37
  • @MauriceMizrahi sorry Dr. but it appears you got the wrong quote (that's the SH). MB 104:1 doesn't say this. It might even be permitting OP's case. Please double check and rewrite and I'll give you your upvote back :) sefaria.org/Mishnah_Berurah.104.1
    – Rabbi Kaii
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 16:57
  • You are right, I had the SH, but MB 104:1 does not add to it: "In the case of a crying child, it is permissible to gesture to him with his hands so that the child will quiet down and not disturb one’s prayer."
    – Maurice Mizrahi
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 17:06
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    @Binyomin I think you need to CYLOR
    – Rabbi Kaii
    Commented Mar 12, 2023 at 17:30

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