eating before praying
Question
Dear Rabbi, According to Sephardic custom, are we allowed to drink (or eat) anything before Shabbat morning prayers? I don't mean for health reasons or in special cases - I mean in general, for every person and every week. I am a bit concerned because in the shul in which I pray, Shabbat morning prayers end at noon, sometimes past noon, and I am concerned about this constituing a half-fast on Shabbat, which I heard that is not allowed. Thank you very much.
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiYou shouldn't eat before Shachrit (morning prayers), but their are many Synagogues that pray earlier or shorter. You can go home for a quick break after Shachrit (morning prayers) and grab a bite. AA