10-27-2008, 01:50 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-27-2008, 02:07 PM by Director Michael.)
Joachim ben Noach Wrote:Should one refrain from learning Torah while 'having a bite'?
There is no prohibition against that. But some people refrain from learning Torah while they're eating because to them it seems irreverant, so it makes them uncomfortable. On the other hand, when you're eating with others, it's a special merit to take a break from eating so you can relate and discuss topics of Torah.
If you have taken upon yourself to say a blessing or prayer to G-d for your food before and/or after eating (which is optional but meritorious for a Noahide), you need to be careful not to forget to make the blessing or prayer when you're also engaged in reading anything, since you might get distracted or engrossed by your reading.
It is worth mentioning that the fifth Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Sholom DovBer, was displeased by people who would eat or drink while learning a Chassidic text.
Joachim ben Noach Wrote:And should one not watch TV, or listen to the Radio or music while eating?
The same caution applies. If you have taken upon yourself to say a blessing to G-d for your food before and/or after eating, you should be careful not to get so distracted or engrossed in those other things that you might forget to say a blessing. Some people who are easily distracted might need to turn off the TV or radio when they begin and finish eating, so they can be sure to make the proper blessings or prayers of thanks that they would want to say.