How Long Before Havdalah Should One Stop Eating?
ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 299:1) writes that one is not permitted to eat or drink anything, with the exception of water, from the time it gets dark until one hears Havdalah. The Mishnah Berurah writes that beginning at shkia (sunset) one must stop eating because it may already be considered night. However, if one has not yet eaten Shalosh Seudos, they should still do so until 30 minutes before tzeis ha’kochavim. Tzeis ha’kochavim is when medium stars begin to be visible, according to different opinions this can be about 30 to 50 minutes after sunset. Also, if one is very hungry, they can be lenient and eat during this time frame as described above. If one already began eating Shalosh Seudos they may continue even past tzeis ha’kochavim, provided that they have not yet davened Ma’ariv. After davening Ma’ariv, one may not continue eating until hearing Havdalah.
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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.