#191: When to Eat Melaveh Malkah

1. Ideally one should eat Melaveh Malkah soon after Shabbat, but it can also be eaten later. According to some, it can be eaten until four hours into the night (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 63:5), and according to others until chatzot (halachic midnight) (Mishnah Berurah 300:2). Some hold that one may eat it after chatzot, up until dawn (Vilna Gaon, Ma’aseh Rav 39). Some suggest having a hot drink shortly after Shabbat if one is not hungry then, and having a larger meal later in the evening (Piskei Teshuvot 300:5).

2. Many poskim say that women should eat Melaveh Malkah (Pri Megadim, Eshel Avraham 300:1; Ohr L’tzion 2:22). Others say that women are exempt (Machatzit HaShekel 300).

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.