Chapter 8 – Things Forbidden from Dawn until after Prayers
8.1) As soon as dawn arrives, you are not permitted to begin any work, commence doing business, or start a journey until after you have prayed. [R]ighteousness shall go before Him; and he shall make its footsteps a way to walk in.
8.2) Do not eat or drink before prayers. However, if you need to eat for health reasons, you may eat.
8.3) Some hold that even if you wake at midnight, you should not eat before prayers.
8.4) You are permitted to drink water, tea, or coffee without sugar before prayers because to do so is considered without haughtiness.
8.5) Do not greet, visit or even say good morning to a neighbor before prayers. You should salute or greet Hashem before greeting another man. Salutes or greetings are permitted before you pray, if you alter the fashion of the greeting so that it is diminished before G-d.
8.6) Do not study before prayers.