Seudah haMafseket - The pre-fast meal

Hello,

In most years, Tishah b'Av, the Fast of the 9th of Av, is preceded by the "Seudah haMafseket (Meal of Cessation)."

This is not a lavish meal. One should not even have two cooked foods at the meal, as having two cooked foods is the minimum definition of a celebratory meal within Jewish law. One does not even eat fish, much less meat or wine, as this would make him happy.

The general custom is to have bread and eggs, as these are associated with mourning. Some eat lentils, for the same reason.

This year is different, because Tishah b'Av is Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night) and Sunday; we do not have a Seudah haMafseket this year.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 552)

Have a good day,
Mordechai