Shalosh Seudos - Lechem Mishneh
QUESTION: Do I need to have lechem Mishneh (2 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 by those meals as well. However, the Rema also quotes a custom to only require one loaf for Shalosh Seudos. This is based on the Yerushalmi that states that from the double portion of mann that fell on Friday, 4 loaves would be made. 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. 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.
____________________________________________________
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.