Today, we begin, B'Ezras Hashem, Hilchos Seuda, Halachos that pertain to eating a meal.
1)One who owns animals or birds may not begin his/her own meal before feeding the animals/birds. (Making sure that they already were fed, or having someone else go and feed them, is also acceptable)
However, it is permitted to drink before giving the animals to eat or drink. (See Mishna Berura Siman 167:40. See Shu"t Har Tzvi Siman 90 for the reasoning behind this.)
According to some opinions, this is a biblical requirement. (See Biur Halacha 167:6 Dibur HaMaschil Umikal Makom in the name of the Mogen Avraham.)
This directive includes feeding fish in a fish tank that you own. (Shu"t Sh'eilas Ya'avetz Vol. 1 Siman 17, Shu"t Mishneh Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 216)
This only applies to animals that one owns, and not to any other animals that may be in his/her home or property. (See MaHaril Diskin Parshas Noach)
2) If one has small children that cannot feed themselves, they take precedence over the animals and he/she must feed them first. (See Sefer Peleh Yoetz: Ba'al Chai and Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 2 end of Siman 52)
If one has guests, feeding the guests takes precedence over feeding the animals, as the Mitzvah of Hachnosas Orchim is such a great and important Mitzvah that Avraham Avinu gave it precedence to greeting the Shechina! (Sefer Pardes Yosef Parshas Chayei Sara 24:19)
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QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Is one (adults) permitted to play board games on Shabbos-where it doesn't involve any m'lacha. If yes, is it better not to?
Answer:
Any games that make noise (rattles, bells, etc.) may not be used on Shabbos, and may even be Muktzah.
Any games that usually entail writing (scrabble, boggle, magna doodle etc.) may not be used, even if no writing is done.
Similarly, any games that involve clay, playdough etc. may not be used on Shabbos.
Any games that require assembling, via screws, bolts or nails, may not be used on Shabbos.
Many Poskim forbid making puzzles on Shabbos, while others are lenient in certain instances.
These are the basic guidelines, though each individual game must be determined to be acceptable before playing on Shabbos.
Regarding if it's better not to, a Rav should be consulted for each individual situation.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Taanis Bechoros on Thursday, April 10, 2025 Candle lighting on Friday, April 11, 2025 - 7:38 PM Candle lighting on Shabbos, April 12, 2025 - 8:42 PM This week's Torah Portion is Parshas Tzav
Important Numbers
