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The se’uda ha-mafseket (literally the separating meal) is the last meal before Tisha Be-Av. We eat only one cooked food (customarily a hard-boiled egg), because at this point mourning over the destruction of the Temple has intensified, so indulging in a multi-course meal would be inappropriate. Bread and raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may be eaten freely, as may cheese, butter, and other dairy products. Hot beverages are not considered cooked food, so coffee and tea are permitted. Many eat the meal while sitting on the floor.
