Food Under a Bed, Stroller or Airplane Seat

Ask the Rov: I forgot food under a stroller with my child sleeping. May the food be eaten?

By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

Chazal teach that one should not place food or drink under a bed.¹ The reason for this halacha is the subject of debate amongst Rishonim.

The Rambam explains the concern is that a harmful substance may fall in without the person realizing it.² But others explain that a ruach ra’ah (evil spirit) rests on such food, and this is the reason quoted in Shulchan Aruch.³ According to this reason, the concern applies even if the food is sealed.⁴ Though some poskim are lenient regarding raw foods, the Alter Rebbe does not differentiate between the two.⁵

What is the halacha of such food after the fact? While some poskim hold that the food may still be consumed,⁶ others hold the food is prohibited, and it should be disposed of to prevent others from mistakenly consuming it.⁷ The Rebbe Rashab was stringent and even discussed whether Tobacco left under a bed may be smoked.⁸

Is an airplane seat or stroller also considered a “bed”?

Some poskim hold the issue only applies to a proper bed designated for sleeping, and according to some, only a bed for adults.⁹ This would exclude a baby stroller.¹⁰ Additionally, poskim are lenient if the food is completely off the ground, like under a plane or bus seat.¹¹ Food under a pillow or inside one’s pockets while sleeping is permitted.¹²

Conversely, putting food under a bed on which no one is sleeping is a machlokes among poskim. Some say that its designation for sleep brings a ruach ra’ah, while others hold it’s only an issue if someone is sleeping on it at the time, and that is the accepted custom.¹³

In practice, any food left under the bed of a sleeping person should be thrown out. Yet, if it involves significant loss, one should consult a rov.

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From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash