עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is It Permitted for Women to Eat Before Prayer?
Question
Hello, honor of the rabbi, I wanted to know whether it is true that one is forbidden to eat before Birkot HaShachar? And if so, are women also obligated? Thank you
Answer
Hello.
1. It is forbidden for men to eat before Shacharit prayer, and even a small taste is prohibited (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 89, seif 3; Mishnah Berurah, seif katan 21; and Responsa Yabia Omer, part 10, Orach Chaim, siman 6, ot 5).
2. As a matter of strict law, women are permitted to eat and drink before Shacharit prayer, although it is preferable that they first recite Birkot HaShachar, the first verse of Shema, and Baruch Shem, etc. (see Otzar Dinim LaIsha VeLaBat, p. 175, and Piskei Teshuvot, siman 106, ot 1).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
