From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 13th Sivan 5785]

Feeding ones animals prior to eating:[1]

It is forbidden to eat prior to feeding ones animals [and birds that are dependent on him for food].[2]

Drinking:[3] By drinking one comes before his animal [and hence there is no issue with having a drink prior to giving one’s animal to drink].[4]

Eating a snack: Some Poskim[5] permit one to eat a temporary meal which does not satiate the person [i.e. a snack] prior to feeding his animals.

Hefsek if said give the animal to eat between blessing and eating:^[6] If after saying the blessing of Hamotzi one asked someone to feed his animals, Bedieved, the blessing remains valid.[7]

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[1] See Admur 167:9; Michaber 167:6; Rav Sheishes 40a; Kaf Hachaim 167:50-55; Ketzos Hashulchan 39:1

[2] Thwe reason: As the verse [Devarim 11:5] states “Venasati Eisev Bisadecha Livhemtecha” and only afterwards it states “Veachalta Vesavata.”

[3] Admur ibid; M”A 167:18; Sefer Chassidim 531; See P”M 167 M”Z 7

[4] The reason: This is derived from Rivkah [Bereishis 24:14] who said [to Eliezer] “Drink [I will first gave Eliezer to drink and only then] and also the camels I will give to drink.” [Admur ibid]

[5] Yiesh Mi Shematir in Admur ibid; Taz 167:7

[6] Admur 167:9; Michaber 167:6; Rav Sheishes 40a

[7] The reason: As this statement is for the need of the meal and is hence not considered an interval, as it is forbidden to eat prior to feeding one’s animals, as the verse [Devarim 11:5] states “Venasati Eisev Bisadecha Livhemtecha” and only afterwards it states “Veachalta Vesavata.” [Admur ibid; C.M. Hilchos Tzaar Baalei Chaim Kuntrus Achron 3 that it is Rabbinical; M”A 167:18; Tur 167; Brachos ibid] Furthermore, even if he gave his animal to drink or, he was only planning to eat a snack, nonetheless it is not considered an interval being that it is for the need of the meal even though it is not for the need of that piece of bread. [Implication of Admur ibid]