6. Kiddush – Reciting Kiddush in middle of meal on Erev Shabbos serves as a Hefsek:[1]

One who is in the midst of a meal on Erev Shabbos and recites Kiddush upon the arrival of sunset, then it is disputed as to whether one has to say another blessing of Hamotzi on the bread that he eats after Kiddush. Some Poskim[2] say the saying of Kiddush over wine is considered an interval between the previous blessing of Hamotzi and the bread.[3] However, it is not considered an interval to require a new blessing of Hagafen.[4] Other Poskim[5] hold it is not considered an interval and hence a new blessing is not to be said over the bread eaten after Kiddush.[6] Practically we rule leniently when it comes to a questionable blessing [and hence Hamotzi is not to be repeated].[7] However, it is best to avoid the situation all together when possible and stop ones meal and recite Birchas Hamazon prior to the arrival of the time of Kiddush.[8]

[1] See Admur 271:11 in end and 271:12

[2] Stam opinion in Admur 271:11; 1^st opinion in Michaber 271:4; Rif Pesachim 100a

[3] The reason: As during the time of Kiddush it is not possible to taste anything as it is not possible to eat and speak at the same time. In this regard it is not similar to one who prays in middle of his meal in which case we rule that the prayer is not considered an interval to require him to repeat the blessing of Hamotzi over the bread as in truth there is no prohibition for a person to continue eating at least a snack prior to the prayer. This is in contrast to Kiddush, by which as soon as the time for reciting kiddush arrives it becomes forbidden to even taste anything, and it is considered as if he has already finished his meal. Therefore, the reciting of Kiddush is considered an interval being that at the time of its recital it was not possible for him to eat anything and he recited it after the completion of his meal. [Admur ibid; Beis Yosef ibid]

[4] The reason: As the time the recital of the blessing over wine is before the recital of the blessing of Kiddush and by that time an interval has yet to take place. [Admur ibid]

[5] 2^nd opinion in Admur 271:11; Yeis Omrim in Michaber 271:4; Maggid Mishneh 29:12 in opinion of Rambam; Rosh Pesachim; Razah Hamaor beginning of Arvei Pesachim; Bach 271

[6] The reason: Those who disagree say that the prohibition of eating applicable when the time for Kiddush arrives is not considered the end of the meal, since he intends to continue eating afterward. Even now, he would be eating willingly if not for the obligation of Kiddush which prevents him from doing so, and once the obstacle (i.e., the need to recite Kiddush) is removed by him reciting Kiddush, he will return to his meal. Therefore, the recitation of Kiddush does not constitute an interruption, just as prayer does not constitute an interruption, and he does not need to recite the blessing of Hamotzi again.”. [Admur ibid; Taz 271:2]

[7] Admur ibid; Taz 271:4; Bach 271

[8] Admur ibid; M”A 271:10