Speaking During a Meal

Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 170:1) writes that one may not speak during a meal, because it is a choking hazard. Yet, it seems that most people disregard this halacha. What is the reason?

The Prisha (O.C. 170:1), a sixteenth century commentary on the Tur, already in his day observed that people were not careful about being silent while eating. He therefore suggests that perhaps the restriction is specific to those who recline while eating, which was the custom in the times of Chazal. He speculates that today, when we sit upright, the hazard is not applicable. Aruch Hashulchan (170:2) adds our leniency in this matter relies upon the principle, “Hashem guards the naïve/foolish”. This principle is applied in cases of a possible hazard to one’s health as opposed to an obvious one (see also Yabia Omer Chelek 5: 15; 20)

According to the original letter of the law, one is still permitted to speak between courses (Mishnah Berurah 170:1). In fact, one is encouraged at those points to discuss divrei Torah.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.