Jewish Law
Daily Halacha: Preparing the Table and Food on Shabbat
A practical guide to setting the table or sorting food in advance on Shabbat, with clear guidelines from Yabia Omer and Halichot Olam
Is it permitted to set the table on Shabbat at night for a meal the next morning?
Yes. It is permitted to set the table in advance, even when it is not right before the meal. For example, you may set the table at night for a meal planned for the next morning.
Even though this involves organizing cutlery and dishes, placing each one in its proper spot, it is still not considered a problem of borer (sorting on Shabbat). This is because cutlery is not like food, and setting the table is part of preparing for a mitzvah meal. This halacha is explained in Yabia Omer.
Can food be sorted before Birkat Hamazon if you plan to eat afterward?
No. If a person begins sorting food before Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) with the intention of eating again afterward, it is not allowed. This is because Birkat Hamazon creates a halachic break in the meal.
So, even if you're still at the table, once you say Birkat Hamazon, it’s considered as if the meal has ended. Therefore, sorting food before the blessing for use after it is seen as sorting not for immediate use, which is forbidden on Shabbat.
This is discussed in Halichot Olam,.
From “Ach Tov VaChesed – Daily Halacha” by Hidabroot
