Seudah shlishit facts for kids
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Seudah Shlishit (which means "third meal" in Hebrew) is a special meal eaten by Jews who observe Shabbat (the Sabbath). It's also sometimes called Shaleshudes in Yiddish. Both names refer to the third of three meals that Jewish tradition says you should eat on Shabbat.
This tradition comes from the Talmud, a collection of Jewish teachings. It's also connected to a story in the Bible about the Manna (special food) that fell from the sky. The word "HaYom" (meaning "the day") appears three times in that story, which some people connect to the idea of three meals.
Contents
What is Seudah Shlishit?
This meal is usually eaten in the afternoon on Shabbat. It's often the smallest of the three Shabbat meals.
- In some Jewish customs, like among Ashkenazi Jews (Jews from Eastern Europe), people might eat foods like salads, herring, or gefilte fish.
- Among Mizrahi Jews (Jews from the Middle East) and Sephardi Jews (Jews from Spain and Portugal), people might eat tuna, harissa (a spicy paste), and fruits.
This meal is also eaten on Jewish holidays, not just Shabbat.
Why is it Important?
Eating three meals on Shabbat is considered a mitzvah, which means a good deed or a commandment from God. It's a way to honor Shabbat.
In some Jewish communities, especially among Hasidic Jews, this third meal is a very joyful event. It can include singing and special discussions. Sometimes, this meal continues even after Shabbat officially ends, finishing with blessings and a special ceremony called Havdalah that marks the end of Shabbat.
What Do People Eat?
Many Jewish legal experts (called poskim) say it's best to eat bread at this meal. However, eating cake or fruit is also okay.
- Some Chabad Hasidic Jews and some German Jews have a custom not to eat bread at this meal.
Songs and Prayers
During Seudah Shlishit, people often sing special Shabbat songs. These can include:
- Bnei Heichala (a spiritual song by Rabbi Isaac Luria)
- Mizmor L'David (which is the 23rd Psalm from the Bible)
- Yedid Nefesh (a beautiful poem written by Rabbi Elazar ben Moshe Azikri)
Some people also recite parts of a book called Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) during the meal, especially between the holidays of Passover and Rosh Hashanah.
Do You Say Kiddush?
Kiddush is a special blessing over wine that usually starts Shabbat meals. For Seudah Shlishit, some people say you should say Kiddush, but most agree it's not necessary. However, some people still drink a little wine or grape juice to say a blessing, even if they don't call it Kiddush.
The Three Shabbat Meals
The Talmud explains that Jews should eat three meals on Shabbat. This tradition helps make Shabbat special. In ancient times, people usually ate two meals on a normal weekday. So, having three meals on Shabbat made it feel more important and honored.
Later Jewish writings say that eating this third meal brings great spiritual rewards. Even though it's called the "third" meal, it's sometimes referred to as "three meals" (shalosh seudos) because of its great importance.
It's a common custom today to have two loaves of bread at each Shabbat meal. This reminds people of the double portion of manna that fell for Shabbat in the desert.
- Among Ashkenazi Jews, this bread is often challah.
- Mizrahi Jews and Sephardi Jews usually use their own traditional breads.
- Some Ashkenazi Jews might eat Matza (unleavened bread) instead.
