#6005 - Desert the Last Meal Desert?
Kvod Horav, can I give my young children Ice Cream for dessert on the Seudat Hamafsekes (last meal before) before Tisha Beav?
There are a number of variables that could make a difference, as the age and understanding of the children. However, since likely others may be present or the children likely could remember on later years, it is preferable to avoid.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 552) describes the foods that could and should be consumed at that particular meal, and mainly the intention is, that although enough food a liquids should be eaten to prepare for the fasting, they should represent the feelings of Avelut and mourning essential in the spirit of that last meal before the saddest day of the year.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: July 18, 2026