Approximately two years ago, we have discussed the Halacha that one must leave bread on the table while reciting Birkat Hamazon. We shall now discuss the law of leaving bread on the table even after Birkat Hamazon.
Always Leaving Some Bread on the Table
The Gemara in Masechet Sanhedrin (92a) states that one should always leave some bread leftover from one’s meal on a table that is usually eaten on (for instance, a kitchen table in our times which is usually the one eaten on). This is based on the words of Rabbi Elazar who said, “One who does not leave some bread on his table shall never see blessing, as the verse states, ‘There is no remainder of his food, his goodness shall therefore not succeed.’” The holy Zohar (Parashat Yitro) quotes this teaching as well.
Rashi (ibid.) explains that the reason for this is in order for the bread to be ready for paupers if they wish to take it. Additionally, it is proper for one to leave some food on his table after he has eaten his fill, as the verse states, “Eat and leave over.” The Mekubalim offer additional reasons for this as well. Maran HaShulchan Aruch (Chapter 180, Section 2) indeed rules likewise.
Leaving a Whole Loaf of Bread on the Table
Nevertheless, Maran HaShulchan Aruch writes that if one has concluded his meal and there is no bread remaining on the table, it is forbidden to bring a whole loaf of bread to the table, for this is similar to the idolatrous practice of those who would customarily place an entire loaf of bread on the table for their deity, as the verse states (Yeshaya 65), “Those who set a table for their god.” If one wishes, he may place pieces of bread on the table.
However, if there was a whole loaf of bread placed on the table from the beginning of the meal, there is no need to remove it from the table at the conclusion of the meal.
If One Wishes to Recite Birkat Hamazon and there is no Bread Left on the Table
If one has concluded his meal and realizes that there is no bread remaining on the table since it has all been eaten, one may in fact bring a whole loaf of bread in order to recite Birkat Hamazon before it. Although there is no halachic prohibition involved, it is nevertheless proper to cut off a piece of the loaf in order that it should not be whole (see Gra Chapter 180, Subsection 5, Ben Ish Hai Parashat Shelach, and Kaf Ha’Chaim ibid, Subsection 7).
The Practice of the Mekubalim on Shabbat Night
The Mekubalim write that on Shabbat night, one should leave the leftover pieces of bread on the table for the entire night and cover them with a cloth.
Summary: One should always leave some bread on the table which is usually eaten on. However, one should not leave a whole loaf of bread for this matter; rather, one should cut a small piece off of it. On Shabbat night there is a special practice of leaving several pieces of bread on the table all night long and to cover them with a cloth.
