This sugya focuses on the Chashivus of Tefillah – specifically, the prohibition of eating/drinking before Krias Shema and Shacharis.  

We discuss the various sources for this issur, along with the various Halachic ramifications.  Is this issur min Hatorah or is it Mid’rabbanan?  Is there a difference between eating a meal and taking a drink?  Is there a difference between a drink of water, coffee with milk and sugar, and black coffee without milk/sugar – and do we pasken differently today as opposed to previous generations?  Does this same issur apply before davening Mincha and Ma'ariv?