seudah

Seudah is a Hebrew term meaning a meal or feast, used in Jewish practice to denote a festive or ritual meal as part of religious observance. In biblical and rabbinic sources, a Seudah carries a status beyond ordinary eating, often accompanying a sacred time or event and including specific blessings and customary songs.

On Shabbat, three festive Seudot are commonly observed in many communities: Seudah Rishona (the Friday night meal), Seudah Sheni (the daytime Shabbat meal), and Seudah Shlishit (the late afternoon meal). Each is typically preceded by Kiddush and the blessing over bread (Hamotzi), and concluded with Birkat Hamazon. Meals are often marked by hospitality, zemirot (Shabbat songs), and communal or family gathering, reinforcing themes of rest, gratitude, and spiritual sustenance.

Seudah is also used to refer to festive meals on Jewish holidays (Seudat Yom Tov) and other significant occasions, often designated as Seudat Mitzvah. In these contexts the meal supports communal celebration, gratitude for provision, and fulfillment of religious or social duties associated with the day.

Etymology-wise, Seudah derives from Hebrew for feast or meal. Practices and terminology vary by tradition and community, but the concept generally emphasizes turning a meal into a conscious, meaningful observance that enhances blessing, hospitality, and communal connection.