The Halacha distinguishes between various different points that mark the start of the day and how they apply to mitzvah observance. We learn about 'netz hachama'  - day break - as the ideal time to say the morning amidah.

Ezra instituted that all men should immerse in a mikveh following emission of semen before saying Shema. This decree was eventually nullified as the community was not able to uphold it. The practice continue today amongst pious individuals but is not mandated.

Modern plumbing is relatively new and Halacha offers two methods to deal with the problem of waste in the home and obligations to say Shema, blessings, and learning Torah. We can cover the items or distance ourselves from them. The Shulchan Aruch and Mishra Berurah guide us in how we can do this.

Saying Shema is a sanctified activity and needs a location appropriate to this task in order for it to be permitted

The bathhouse has 3 areas and each has its own status with regards saying Shema and other sanctified activities. As people are in varying degrees of undress and steam/ smells are present there.

We continue discussing under what conditions a room takes the status of being a halachic bathroom for the purposes of saying Shema close by.

When excrement loses its prohibited status and permitted to say Shema near it. What is the status of modern bathrooms?

We discuss the age at which excrement from a young child is problematic for purposes of saying Shema and praying. 

Where we learn how  we are able to say Shema and pray the Amidah when in a situation of needing to break wind.

Does animal faeces have the same prohibitions in terms of saying Shema as human excrement? It depends on whether it is accompanied by a bad smell or not. The Halacha explains all.