[Avodah] pump toilet

[Harry Maryles]

Found the following on ChatGPT (AI) in seconds. Can't vouch for its accuracy. But worthy of note:
Halachic Perspectives

1. Automatic Toilets and Kavod HaBriyot

A Q&A on MiYodeya (Judaism Stack Exchange) cites Rabbi Josh Flug (Sukkot To Go 5770), who permits using an automatic-flush toilet if no other restroom is reasonably available, relying on kavod ha-briyot (human dignity). He even suggests that if the non-electric alternative is too inconvenient, it may be permissible under the principle of psik reisha d’lo nicha lei (an inevitable act one does not benefit from) Mi Yodeya.

2. Explicit Prohibition: Automatic Sensor Toilets

On the other hand, Mekorot from Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu clearly state that sensor-activated toilets—where one’s movement automatically completes a circuit and triggers flushing—are forbidden on Shabbat אתר הרב מרדכי אליהו. This aligns with mainstream halachic views, which forbid activating electrical appliances even indirectly.

3. Technical Explanation: "Molid" and "Building"

Halachic authorities, such as on Chabad.org, explain that completing an electrical circuit constitutes a prohibition—either building (boneh) or creating (molid)—and is therefore forbidden on Shabbat, even without a direct action such as pressing a button Chabad.

4. Halachipedia Summary

A summary from Halachipedia notes that many poskim permit automatically flushed toilets only if no alternative is available, citing them as an indirect (grama) action that doesn’t deliver direct benefit—or at least falling under leniency in pressing circumstances Halachipedia.

5. Concept of “Pesik Reisha” Applies Here

Further halachic discussion, for example on Toraland, indicates that activating such a device via walking near it without intent still constitutes a prohibited action—pesik reisha d’lo nicha lei—and is thus disallowed even absent direct interaction toraland.org.il+1.

Summary Table

| Scenario | Permissibility |
| Sensor-flush toilet available and no other option | Possibly permitted under kavod ha-briyot / indirect (grama) justification |
| Sensor-flush toilet available but alternatives exist | Forbidden, as it involves activating electricity—even passively |
| Sensor activation via mere presence | Prohibited, as pesik reisha applies |
| Non-electric alternative exists | Use that alternative to avoid halachic transgression |


Recommended Approach
   
   -    
Prefer non-electric flush toilets whenever possible.

   -    
If you must use a sensor toilet and no alternative available, some authorities permit reliance on kavod ha-briyot—especially if it’s the only restroom option—though this remains a more lenient position Mi YodeyaHalachipedia.

   -    
Walk away from the sensor promptly, to minimize unintended triggering.

   -    
Consult your local rabbinic authority for practical guidance tailored to your community and specific situation.


Bottom Line

While some posit leniencies based on human dignity or indirect triggering, the prevailing view is that activating electric sensors—even passively—is prohibited on Shabbat. If absolutely necessary, a sensor toilet may be used under specific restrictive circumstances—but it's far better to seek or prepare non-electric alternatives when possible.

Would you like sources for specific communities or rabbinic authorities who ruled leniently—or guidance on what to do when you're at a hotel or public facility?
Let me know—happy to dig deeper!
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    On Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 11:15:55 PM CDT, Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer via Avodah <avodah at lists.aishdas.org> wrote:  
 
  
Do you have a reference for the heter for electric flush toilets? Thanks!
 On 8/15/2025 8:05 AM, mcohen--- via Avodah wrote:
  
 
 
May (one should) lchatchila build a below grade pump toilet knowing that it
 will be used on Shabbat?...
 
 
 
the poskim are matir to use electric flush toilets bc of kavod habrius
 (hospitals, etc)
 
 
 
this should be the same. (electric use is only d'rabbanon. ignoring CI)
 
 
 
therefore it can be built.
 
 
 then on shabbos..
 
 
 
if its needed bc of kavod habrius, one can use it. 
 if one has an alternative - dont use it
 
 
 
 
 
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