Q&A: Songs at the Third Sabbath Meal
Songs at the Third Sabbath Meal
Question
Hello and blessings. I was asked a fundamental question, and since I’m not really grounded in the idea, I’d be happy to hear the opinion of the honored great Rabbi, may he live long and well:
Songs at the third Sabbath meal—can this practice be discontinued in yeshivas, in light of Torah study being neglected and the burden on the community? And if so, how much should there be? Is it preferable to replace it with other things, like a third study session… (I’d also be glad if he would give reasons for canceling it)…
Answer
I do not know how to answer this question. Certainly it can be discontinued, and it is clear that there is no halakhic prohibition involved. What is more or less appropriate depends on the people and the circumstances. There is no general answer here. If it helps people connect to the Sabbath and experience it, or simply enjoy it, then it is definitely appropriate to do it. If not, then it is just a waste of time. In that case, they should do something else of value.