Halachot and Customs
Why is it forbidden to eat before Kiddush?
Question
Why is it forbidden to eat or drink before Kiddush? Is there a difference between Kiddush on Friday night and Kiddush on Shabbat day, and why?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
There is a rabbinic prohibition to taste anything before making Kiddush, even water. The reason for the prohibition is that the obligation of Kiddush takes effect immediately with the onset of Shabbat (Shulchan Aruch, siman 271, seif 4, and Mishnah Berurah, seif katan 11).
It is also forbidden to taste anything before the Kiddush of the day. This prohibition applies to women as well (Shulchan Aruch, siman 289, seif 1, and Mishnah Berurah, seif katan 6).
However, the obligation of Kiddush during the day takes effect only after prayer, and therefore it is permitted to drink water before prayer on Shabbat morning without Kiddush, and there is also no concern from the general prohibition against eating and drinking before prayer - since it is permitted to drink water before prayer (Shulchan Aruch there, and Mishnah Berurah, seif katan 7).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
