Short Exit from Home During a Bread Meal
Question
I am in the middle of a bread meal and want to go to a neighbor to take something from him. Is it permissible to leave and return to the meal?
Answer
Leaving for an extended period is forbidden unless one goes for the purpose of a mitzvah, or initially intended to leave and continue eating elsewhere. Leaving for a short time is permitted.
Source
The Rema writes in Orach Chaim, Siman 178: "Therefore, one who interrupts his meal and goes to another house, or was eating and his friend called him to speak, even to the door of his house or another place, when he returns to the meal, he does not need to bless at all, etc. Initially, one should not leave his place without a blessing, as we fear he may forget to return and eat. However, for the purpose of a passing mitzvah, such as when the time for prayer arrives, it is permitted.
The Mishnah Berurah, Siman 178, S"K 34, writes: "In Tosafot and Rosh, it implies that one should not be stringent in this matter except when leaving with the intention to go far, as we fear the aforementioned. But if one leaves with the intention to return immediately, it is permitted."
