Shalosh Seudos - In Shul

QUESTION: Shulchan Aruch (OC 151:1) writes that one may not eat in a shul (in the room designated for davening). If so, why is it that many communities serve Shalosh Seudos in the shul?

ANSWER: Although one may not eat or sleep in a shul, Shulchan Aruch (OC 151:4) notes that there are many exceptions. For example, one who is doing so for the sake of the shul, such as a guard who is hired to stay all night in a shul, may eat and sleep there. Another exception is for the needs of a mitzvah. The Mishnah Berurah (151:20) writes that the custom is to permit hosting a seuda for a siyum hashas in a shul if there is no other place available, provided that the meal is served with the appropriate level of seriousness. Igros Moshe (OC 1:45) writes that the prevalent custom today is to permit any seudas mitzvah in a shul, including Shalosh Seudos, even though it is not a pressing need. Although everyone can go home to eat this meal, he writes that the custom is to allow it. Rav Ovadya Yosef zt”l (Yechaveh Daas 3:10) permits this as well and adds that if divrei Torah are spoken at the Shalosh Seudos, then it is also a zikuy harabim (merit for the congregation) and certainly permitted.

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