Shalosh Seudos - Lechem Mishneh

QUESTION: Do I need to have lechem mishneh (two loaves) for Shalosh Seudos?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 291:4) writes that one must have lechem Mishneh for Shalosh Seudos. The Rema adds that even if someone ate a fourth or fifth meal on Shabbos, he or she should have lechem mishneh at those meals as well. Since Shabbos is a day when the extra portion of mann fell for the Jews in the desert, each meal on Shabbos requires lechem mishneh. However, the Rema also quotes a custom to only require one loaf for Shalosh Seudos. This is based on the Yerushalmi which states that four loaves would be made from the double portion of mann that fell on Friday. One was eaten on Friday. One was eaten Friday night, and one was eaten Shabbos morning. The final loaf was eaten for Shalosh Seudos. Since at that point there was only one loaf left, there is no obligation of lechem mishneh at Shalosh Seudos. However, Rema concludes that since many Rishonim, including the Rambam and Rosh, write that one must have lechem mishneh for Shalosh Seudos, it is proper to be strict. Of course, if someone has only one loaf left, he should eat Shalosh Seudos using only one loaf.

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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.