Coffee

Believe it or not, coffee holds a prominent role in halachic discussion. It is noted, however, that coffee is not mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch which has led scholars to believe that it was only introduced into Jewish communities after the Shulchan Aruch had been completed.

Here are some examples of coffee related discussions in halachic writings. There is much discussion as to whether coffee is subject to the restrictions of bishul akum. Although coffee generally consists of only two ingredients, coffee and water, coffee is never consumed raw. Indeed, it is not possible to properly enjoy coffee beans without first roasting them. Since coffee is a food that is not eaten raw, perhaps it is subject to bishul akum and should, therefore, not be prepared by a non-Jew.

Nevertheless, since coffee the primary ingredient of coffee is water, and water is regularly consumed “raw”, and foods that are routinely eaten raw are not subject to any bishul akum restrictions, (1) then coffee, too, is not subject to any bishul akum restricgions. (2) However, one should be sure not use coffee as a medium for frequent socializing with non-Jews, as it could lead to intermarriage. (3) In fact, there have been communities in the past where anyone who would socialize with non-Jews at coffee was ineligible to become a rabbi.

It is permitted to drink coffee in the morning before praying. There is also a view that a cup of coffee in the morning fulfills the halachic obligation to eat breakfast. (4) A blessing is not recited on coffee when drinking it during a meal. So too, as a general rule, a beracha acharona is not recited after drinking coffee, as it is a beverage that is generally only sipped (unless when it cooled off one drank a revi'it in one go) (5) In an emergency, one who does not have wine or grape juice  may recite Kiddush or Havdala over coffee, although if one has Cola it would be a better choice. (6) In fact, in extenuating circumstances one may use coffee in place of wine at the Pesach Seder for the four cups! (7) Although there is a dispute as to whether a blessing is recited when smelling coffee, (8) common custom is not to do so. However, it is best not to smell coffee at all in order not to get oneself into the dispute.

On Shabat one must not pour hot water directly from an urn or kettle onto instant coffee powder when making coffee on Shabbat. One should first fill a cup with hot water from the urn or kettle, and then put the instant coffee into the cup. In this way, the instant coffee is being put into a kli sheini (a "second vessel") which is unable to cook a previously cooked food. If one wants to comply with the more stringent view, one should pour the water from the first cup into another cup, and put the instant coffee into this second cup. Doing so turns the second cup into a kli shlishi (a “third vessel”) which allows one to heat up or even cook almost anything on Shabbat.

1. Avoda Zara 38a.

2. Chochmat Adam 66:14.

3. Radbaz 3:637; Maharikash, YD 114; Chochmat Adam 66:14; Ben Ish Chai, Chukat 2:16.

4. Kaf Hachaim, OC 155:23

5. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 51:6; Mishna Berura 210:1; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 202:7, Kaf Hachaim, OC 204:40; Rivevot Ephraim 1:131, 4:53.

6. OC 296:2; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 272:14.

7.Mishna Berura 472:37.

8. See Maharam Shik, OC 85; Mishna Berura 216:16.