Is there any situation, bar imminent threat of death, which would allow one to shower with hot water during the Shabbat, using hot water which is heated on the Shabbat, or is it absolutely not allowed?
1 Answer
This article seems to provide a detailed analysis of this question. Excerpt from beginning. (Read the rest of the article as well as cited sources, there):
SUMMARY – on Shabbat one may wash up to half their body in permitted hot water. The types of hot water that is considered permitted to (partially) wash with on Shabbat are, water heated before Shabbat that can be used without causing new cold water to cook; or water that was heated on Shabbat by itself, which includes water from the solar water unit (according to those who rule that solar water heaters are permitted on Shabbat); and possibly water heated up by a non-Jew for his own use. There is a debate about how cold water must be to still be considered "cold" water.
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My son-in-law came to visit me in the hospital twice on a Shabbos. It was hot and he got pretty smelly. Rabbi Dovid Rosenbaum told him he could take a cold shower to clean up before coming to shul for Mincha. Dec 1, 2014 at 19:18
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Why are we be able to use water from the sink if it comes from the same hot water heater that supplies water to the shower. I live in apartment so tell me if I am wrong about that. I once asked a rabbi if a water fountain could be used on שבת and he said yes even though it was powered by electricity.– JJLLDec 1, 2014 at 19:31
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@JJLL the taking of water which allows more water into a device which uses a thermostat to turn on and off is a grama, indirect action. We are especially meikel if this gramma only effects electricity. Therefore a water cooler is allowed to be used. Turning on the hot tap allows cold water into a boiling hot tank is a problem in and of itself. The action which may be caused through the gramma is real fire. We are therefore machmir. If you would take me up on my offer to learn together we can go through hilchos shabbos:) no pressure, but Im still waiting.– user6591Dec 1, 2014 at 21:11
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Thank you @user6591 I promise to take you up on your offer. And thank you for your response.– JJLLDec 2, 2014 at 1:16