Eating Before Hearing the Shofar

Parsha Halacha | June 27, 2025

It is best not to eat or drink before hearing the Shofar blowing.
Women should preferably also not eat before hearing the Shofar. But if they are feeling weak, they may do so.
Although generally one should not fast past midday on Yom Tov, on Rosh Hashana (that falls during the week), when we are pleading for our lives, it is permissible.
One may drink water before davening (praying). Some are particular not even to drink water.
One who is weak may have a small snack. If eating after Shacharit, one must first make Kiddush. Some say that if one is weak, it is better that he hears the Shofar blasts in the morning before davening in order that he not eat before fulfilling the mitzvah of the Shofar.

It is best not to eat or drink before hearing the Shofar blowing.
Women should preferably also not eat before hearing the Shofar. But if they are feeling weak, they may do so.
Although generally one should not fast past midday on Yom Tov, on Rosh Hashana (that falls during the week), when we are pleading for our lives, it is permissible.
One may drink water before davening (praying). Some are particular not even to drink water.
One who is weak may have a small snack. If eating after Shacharit, one must first make Kiddush. Some say that if one is weak, it is better that he hears the Shofar blasts in the morning before davening in order that he not eat before fulfilling the mitzvah of the Shofar.

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Parsha Halacha | September 27, 2024