Question:
Hi Rabbi, I'm wondering if it's ok to cut tiny pieces of food for a toddler who cannot yet eat bigger pieces of food. If so, does it need a shinuy and if so, what is an example of that.
Thank you
Answer:
Technically it would be tochain, if it is done to things that grow for the ground. However, tochain doesn't apply to things that don't grow from the ground, such as meat, chicken, eggs, and fish, therefore you would not have an issue with that. Another point, even items that grow from the ground, if they were already ground, such as bread, cake and cookies, may be re-ground.
Even if all of the above exemptions will not apply, it is still permitted to cut vegetables, close to the time that that they will be eaten, especially for a child that can't eat it otherwise.
Best wishes
Sources:
O"CH 321- 12.
