Shalosh Seudos - Sans Motzei

QUESTION: I started eating Shalosh Seudos before shkia (sunset), but I did not say Hamotzi; I only ate cake. Am I permitted to continue my meal even after shkia, or must I stop eating once I eat enough to fulfill the basic obligation of Shalosh Seudos (a k’beitza – the size of an egg)?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 299:1) writes that if one began a meal (of bread) before shkia, one may continue eating even after shkia. However, if one was just drinking and not having a meal, one must stop once it begins to get dark (at sunset). Seemingly, eating fruits or vegetables would have the same halacha as drinking. The question is whether eating cake is comparable to eating bread, or whether it is comparable to drinking.

The Aruch Hashulchan (299:5) writes that one must stop eating even if one is eating cake. Without hamotzi, there is no kevius seuda (halachically recognized meal), and therefore one must stop eating as soon as it starts getting dark.

However, if one is eating cake not merely as a snack, but with the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah of Shalosh Seudos, then the Shevet HaLevi (8:36) infers from the Levush that they may continue eating even after shkia.

Furthermore, even if they have consumed more than a k’beitza of cake they may still continue eating, since it is part of their Shalosh Seudos.

However, Rav Schachter shlita maintains that unless one has washed for Hamotzi, one should not continue eating after shkia, unless they have not yet eaten a k’beitza of mezonos.

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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.