Maariv Prayer Before Time or After Dinner
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Question
Hello, A person who prayed Mincha close to sunset has 2 options: to pray Maariv before the stars come out or to go to dinner and pray Maariv later at night. What should be preferred?
Answer
Hello
In a place like the Land of Israel, where Mincha is prayed until sunset, one should not pray before the stars come out except in great necessity.
However, it is forbidden to eat dinner before the Maariv prayer unless a person [-'shomer'] has been appointed beforehand to remind him to pray, or an alarm with a reminder to pray has been set.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Laws of Mincha Prayer, Siman 233, סעיף 1
And now that it is customary to pray Mincha until night, one should not pray Maariv before sunset; but if one prayed Maariv after Plag HaMincha and above, he has fulfilled his obligation. In a time of need, one can pray Maariv after Plag HaMincha and above.
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Laws of Shema and Maariv Prayer, Siman 235, סעיף 2
It is forbidden to start eating half an hour before the time of Shema of Maariv.