Shalosh Seudos - Drasha

QUESTION: In shul, there is usually a drasha during Shalosh Seudos. Is there any issue with having a drasha at this time?

ANSWER: The Rema (OC 292:2) writes that there was a custom not to have a public drasha on Shabbos between Mincha and Maariv. The Mishnah Berurah (292:9) writes that this does not refer to the entire time between Mincha and Maariv, but only to the time of bein hashmashos (twilight). According to some Midrashim, this was the time when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away. The Gemara (Moed Katan 22b) states that when a talmid chacham passes away, his beis medrash is temporarily closed as a show of respect. To demonstrate the great loss that we feel at the loss of Moshe Rabbeinu, the custom was not to conduct a public drasha at this time. Even according to this custom, one may learn torah alone or with a chavrusa (in pairs). However, the Mishnah Berurah writes that there were many great tzadikim, including the Maharal MiPrague, who did not follow this custom. The Mishnah Berurah concludes that nowadays, when without a drasha people will sit around idly or worse, it is best to allow a drasha. The Prisha (292) writes that the fact that we eat Shalosh Seudos in a large gathering at this time (which would be disrespectful if this was the time Moshe Rabbeinu passed away) indicates that we follow the Midrashim that say that Moshe Rabbeinu did not pass away at this time. Therefore, there is no reason to refrain from having a drasha at Shalosh Seudos.

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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.