Devouring One’s Food

Are there any halachos about devouring one’s food?

Shulchan Aruch writes that one should not take a very large portion of food in his hands (OC 170: 7) or gulp down a glass of wine in one shot (ibid:8). In our times there are a number of foods which are commonly eaten while being held, like a sandwich or a falafel. We drink beverages that are easily swallowed. However, the principle Chazal imparted remains relevant: one should eat and drink at a moderate pace, and with a measure of refinement.

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.