Question:
If we’re not allowed to throw food then how can we throw sweets at a chassan
at his aufruf?
Answer: Rambam
(Berachos 7:9) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC
171:1) write that one must treat food in a respectful manner. R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras
Shabbos Kehilchasa 20:29) writes that this even applies to food that one isn’t
allowed to eat, such as chametz on Pesach.
The Gemara (Berachos 50b) writes that as bread is
more important than other food, one should never throw bread. Other food,
however, may be thrown providing that it won’t get ruined (Rambam, Berachos 7:9; Magen Avraham OC 171:1; Aruch Hashulchan OC 171:3; Mishna Berura
170:9).
Thus, the Magen Avraham (OC 167:38) writes that
when one says hamotzi on behalf of others, he must pass the bread to
them rather than throw it (See Mishna Berura 167:88).
The Gemara (ibid) writes that people used to throw
nuts towards the chassan and kalla.
Nowadays, people typically throw sweets or small
bags of food at a chassan when he gets his aliya on his Shabbos aufruf.
While this almost universal custom has no real mekor, Sefer Taamei
Haminhagim (940) explains the significance behind many of the foods that people
throw. Additionally, it is not assur and adds to the excitement
for many. The Kaf Hachaim (OC 171:26) and Mishna Berura (171:21) write
that those who do so should not throw soft sweets that will get ruined.
The poskim (Magen Avraham OC 171:1; Aruch
Hashulchan OC 171:5) write that one who sees food on the floor must pick it up.
Additionally, one must ensure that one does so to enhance the simcha and
one isn’t mevazeh the kedusha of the shul.
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