Food Under Beds

Question: I have always stored food under my bed and recently learned that this is not recommended. Do I need to dispose of it?

Answer: The Gemara (Pesachim 112a) advises against storing food under a bed, as it is believed that a ruach ra’ah (evil spirit) will pass over it. The Shulchan Aruch (YD 116:5) upholds this ruling. However, Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 12:5) offers a different perspective, suggesting that this evil spirit no longer exists (see Lechem Mishne, Hilchos Shevisas Asor 3:2).

R’ Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (Minchas Yitzchak 4:117) permits placing food at the bottom of a buggy, even if a baby is sleeping in it. Medications, not being classified as food, may also be stored under a bed (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 13:17; Tzitz Eliezer 17:35).

R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer YD 1:9) states that as the Vilna Gaon and others were stringent about this practice, if food is inadvertently placed under a bed, it should ideally be discarded. However, if the food is expensive, one may rely on more lenient poskim. Other factors that may permit the food include if it was raw, stored under a child’s bed, or if the floor was carpeted or tiled (Yabia Omer YD 1:10; Tzitz Eliezer 10:35).

Most people follow more lenient poskim (Aruch Hashulchan YD 116:11; Pischei Teshuvah YD 116:4; Rivevos Ephraim 1:8:1; 5:8) who allow such food to be consumed.

In conclusion, one should avoid storing food under a bed. If food is accidentally placed there, it does not necessarily need to be discarded.