Eating While Wearing Tefillin

Question: We have a learning program after shacharis which we are encouraged to keep our tefillin on for. Can we eat while wearing our tefillin?

Answer: The Gemara (Berachos 23b) teaches that one should remove one’s tefillin before sitting down to eat a full meal. Rashi explains that one may become intoxicated while eating. The Tiferes Yisrael (Yadayim, Yachin 2:4:35) infers that one would be allowed to eat a full meal without any alcohol. Nonetheless, Rambam (Tefillin 4:16) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 40:8) write that one is only permitted to have a snack.

The Mishna Berura (40:19) questions whether this hetter applies only to those who are accustomed to wear their tefillin all day (see Aruch Hashulchan OC 40:5). Nonetheless, the Tzitz Eliezer (7:27:1) writes that the Shulchan Aruch (OC 37:2) notes that the practice in his time was for people not to wear their tefillin throughout the day. Yet, the Shulchan Aruch still allows one to have a snack while wearing one’s tefillin. Likewise, the Kaf Hachaim (OC 40:35) writes that one may drink coffee and tea while wearing tefillin. Thus, the Dirshu Mishna Berura (40:n31) writes that the Chazon Ish allowed one to have a snack. However, R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv maintained that it was commendable to avoid having any snacks or drinks.

The Piskei Teshuvos (40:8) writes that if one is having a little snack or drink to enable them to learn better, then one may keep them on. If one is intending on removing them, one should do so before eating or drinking.

In conclusion, one may not eat a proper meal while wearing one’s tefillin. However, one may have a small snack and drink if it will enable them to learn better.