The Special Meal Before Tisha b’Av: Interruption or Initiation?
Observance of Tisha B’av seems to require a proverbial Seuda Hamafseket or “Last Supper” before the fasting commences. But why make hay out of final morsels; after all isn't it about abstention? A quick glance at the Mishna serves to solidify the query. Yet, a careful analysis of early Talmudic sources along with classic medieval commentary reveals tantalizing meaning and deeper purpose. A fresh new understanding of what this final meal represents, with a special emphasis on its hidden flavors can only be fully appreciated in its unusual Shabbat incarnation.
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| Topics: | Halacha, Tisha B’Av, Minhag |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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