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Should one take two loaves (lechem mishna) before beginning a yom tov (festival) meal as is done on Shabbat?
Yes, the rule is the same for Yom Tov as it is for Shabbat. On Shabbat we take two loaves to commemorate that a double portion of manna fell on Fridays in the desert to provide sustenance for two days. On Yom Tov the manna likewise did not fall; thus a double portion was provided the day before (Shulchan Aruch O.C. 529:1, Mishna Berurah 10).
In fact, every meal we eat on Shabbat and Yom Tov, even extra ones, should preferably begin with two loaves (Rema O.C. 291:4).
The only difference is that on Shabbat many have the custom to cut the bottom challah on Friday night and the top one for the other meals. This Kabbalistic practice does not apply on Yom Tov, so we always cut the upper (closer) Challah (Rema O.C. 274:1).
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I understand two loaves fell on Shabbos because you can't carry as well as the 4th/10 commandments " Remember and Observe the Sabbath day" in both places of the Torah. However, you can carry on Yom Tov without an eruv (i.e. prayer books on tashlich, just no bread to feed the bird's 😎) .
So why two loaves on Yom Tov?
Thank you Rabbi. Gmar Chasima Tova and have a meaningful fast and vidui.