עברית
Faith
How Long Is It Permissible to Recite the Birkat Hamazon?
Question
Greetings and blessings. I would like to know the latest time permitted to recite the Birkat Meayin Shalosh (Al Hamichya) following the conclusion of eating. I have been told that it is 72 minutes, as in the case of the Birkat Hamazon— is this correct? Or is there no time limit after the meal to recite the blessing? I should mention that we are Sephardim. Thank you in advance.
Answer
Greetings, Whoever ate various types of food and is satiated from the meal may recite the Al Hamichya as long as he remains satisfied—up to six hours. However, one who ate only a kezayit (olive-sized portion) of food, less than what is required for satiation, may recite it only within seventy-two minutes. Sources: See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim (Siman 132, Se'if 5) and Mishnah Berurah (Si’ak 100) as well as Halichos Basar V’Chalav (Siman 13, Bi’ur Halacha 11).
Blessings, Hillel Meirs
