- Question: [Monday, 13th MarCheshvan, 5783]
If we are having an only lady’s meal on Shabbos, can we make as Zimun with 3/10 women?
Answer:
While from the letter of the law women may make a Zimun without Eloikeinu if they are ten or three women who ate together, practically, the custom for many generations is not to do so.
Explanation: The law is as follows: Women may not join two other men for a Zimun of three. However, if there are three men making a Zimun and she ate with them, then she must answer for the Zimun. Now, regarding three women who ate together, then they are allowed to do a Zimun on their own although, if they did not eat together with three men, then they are not obligated to do a Zimun. Practcially, the Achronim record that the custom today is not do so. If however they ate with three men, then they are obligated in Zimun and can either answer the men’s Zimun or make their own. However, women cannot make a Zimun with Elokeinu even if there are 10 women present.
Sources: See regarding letter of law: Admur 199:6; Michaber 199:7; Brachos 45b; Rosh Brachos 7:4 and Shut Rosh 4:16; See regarding custom: Biur Halacha 199; Aruch Hashulchan 199:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 199:4 footnote 16
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