Asher Yatzar: Magid MiPlutzk - Is There Anything More Embarrassing?
Is there any physical activity that is more humbling then going to the bathroom? Unlike other animalistic needs, there is absolutely no physical or emotional pleasure attached to this unpleasant activity. It is the great equalizer among humans and animals. No person no matter how great, has any edge whatsoever when it comes to this unique activity. It is so humiliating that we lock ourselves in seclusion during the duration, as if we don't want anyone to know the truth about us.
The Magid Tzedek MiPlotzk says that this is the meaning of the Bracha Asher Yatzar Es HaAdam BiChochma. Hashem created us cleverly, in way that we will always recognize our shortcomings and not become too haughty. The Yalkut (Yechezkel 28) says that Hashem told the great King Chiram, who held himself to be G-d, I looked at you and created man with the need to relieve himself.
The Bracha ends "Rofei Chol Basar", Hashem heals all flesh. The Magid Tzedek tells us the secret to healing. He brings the gemara (Sotah 5a), that says Hashem heals Basar. This refers to man when he is humble and realizes that he is flesh and blood. Hashem does not heal "Adam", a person who thinks highly of himself.
Akavya ben Mahalalel says (Pirkei Avos 3:1) that to avoid aveira we should remember that we emanated from a Tipa Srucha and we will one day return to Afar V'Tolei'a. For those of us who don't remember our earliest beginning, and for those of us who feel death will never catch up with us, use your frequent moments of shame to remind yourself of the same lesson. And if you are so great that you don't need to use a bathroom, then I guess you are truly special, at least as much as Paroh!
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