Can You Wash Dishes on Shabbat After the Third Meal?

After the third Shabbat meal (Seudah Shlishit), a large pile of dishes has accumulated. Am I allowed to wash them on Shabbat?

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In the Talmud, Tractate Shabbat (118a), we learn that it is forbidden to prepare on Shabbat for the weekday. This means one may not perform any act on Shabbat that serves no purpose for that day itself.

For example, it is forbidden to heat food on Shabbat in order to eat it after Shabbat (Motzaei Shabbat), or to do any task meant for after Shabbat.

The Raavad explains that this restriction exists so that a person does not exert effort on Shabbat for something unrelated to honoring or enjoying the day itself.

Washing Dishes After the Third Meal

Maran the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 323:6) rules: “One may wash dishes on Shabbat if they are needed for that day — for example, if he still plans to eat another meal. But after the third meal, one may not wash them. However, drinking utensils may be washed all day, since one may need them for drinking.”

Washing Cups

Drinking vessels, such as cups or glasses, may be washed even after the third meal, since there is still a reasonable possibility they will be used again on Shabbat.

However, meal utensils — such as plates, cutlery, and serving dishes, may not be washed after the third meal, because it is unlikely they will be needed again that day.

Washing Cups After Sunset

If the third meal continued until after sunset, it is forbidden to wash even cups or drinking vessels afterward. This is because once Shabbat is nearing its end, it is forbidden to drink or eat until one performs Havdalah (the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat).

Washing Dishes When They Are Still Needed

Conversely, if one ate the third meal early in the afternoon and plans to use the dishes again later on Shabbat — for example, to serve snacks or fruit, then it is permitted to wash them.

The prohibition applies only when there is clearly no further need for the dishes that day. But if they are likely to be used again, washing them on Shabbat is allowed.

Based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, as published on “Halacha Yomit.”