Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

Tastemakers

April 3, 2025

Q What should I do if I inadvertently ate something after the afikoman?

A To preserve the taste of matzah in the mouth, nothing may be eaten after the afikoman (O.C. 478:1). If someo

ne mistakenly ate, he should have another afikoman (Mishnah Brurah ibid. 1), unless he already bentsched (Kaf Hachaim ibid. 3).

Q May I drink after the afikoman?

A The Mishnah Brurah (481:1) cites various opinions. Some allow any nonalcoholic beverage (Pri Chadash), while others include grape juice in the prohibition (M.B. ibid., citing others). Some even forbid all beverages but water (Shulchan Aruch and Rama). The Mishnah Brurah says to follow the stricter view.

Flavored-water drinks like tea are permitted by all, because they do not eliminate the matzah taste (ibid.). Some even allow adding sugar (Dirshu Mishnah Brurah citing Rav Elyashiv).

Early poskim debate whether coffee is like tea in this respect (Ba’er Heiteiv ibid. 1); it is better to be stringent, especially if the coffee is made very strong. One who is sensitive and needs to drink something other than water may rely on the lenient opinions (Mishnah Brurah ibid.).

Q May I drink coffee in the morning after the Seder before vasikin?

A The prohibition against eating after the afikoman continues until alos hashachar (daybreak). But according to many poskim, the prohibition does not continue after one sleeps and arises (cited by Piskei Teshuvos 478:1). Regarding drinking after waking up, one may be lenient lechat’chilah, as there are views that permit drinking altogether (ibid.).