The final meal before the fast must be very simple (see below). For this reason, many people have two meals in the afternoon of Erev Tisha Be’Av. During the first meal, they may eat whatever they wish. An interruption is made, usually by going to daven (pray) Mincha (the afternoon service), and then the final meal is eaten.
The final meal before the fast is called the Seudah Hamafseket (lit., the meal that divides). It should include bread (some use bagels) dipped in ashes and cold, hard-boiled eggs. Sefardim eat bread and a lentil dish. (Some Sefardim have a dish which includes lentils and eggs.) One may not have another cooked side dish. One may drink water and/or coffee or tea. Some are strict not to have a hot drink.
It is customary to eat the Seudah Hamafseket while sitting on the floor. One should not eat it in a group, but rather each person should sit separately. If, for some reason, a group of three men did eat together, they should each recite Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meals) separately and should not do a zimun (reciting Birkat HaMazon as a group).
One need not remove his shoes during this meal. In addition, after this meal, before the fast begins, one may sit in a regular chair.
One may eat a snack or have a drink after this meal before the fast begins as long as one did not intend to begin the fast when he finished the meal. If one plans to have a snack or drink, it is best to have that in mind before reciting the Grace after Meals.
