Melaveh Malkah facts for kids

Melaveh Malkah (pronounced Meh-lah-VEH Mal-KAH) is a special meal that Jewish people often have on Saturday evening. It means "Escorting the Queen" in Hebrew. This meal is a way to say goodbye to the "Sabbath Queen." The Sabbath, or Shabbat, is like a queen who visits for a day of rest. When Shabbat ends, people have this meal to honor her as she leaves, just like you would escort a king or queen. Some people also call it "the fourth meal."

Why is Melaveh Malkah important?

Spiritual reasons for the meal

Some Jewish teachings explain that the Melaveh Malkah meal helps a special part of the body called the luz bone. This tiny bone is said to be at the back of the head. It is believed that God will use this bone to bring people back to life in the future. Eating the Melaveh Malkah meal is thought to give strength to this special bone.

Another idea is that Jewish people get an "extra soul" during Shabbat. This extra soul stays with them until after the Melaveh Malkah meal. Because of this, some people choose not to do any work and stay in their Shabbat clothes until they have eaten this meal.

Having the Melaveh Malkah meal is also seen as a special way to bring good things. It is believed to help with easy childbirth. It can also bring blessings for good health, wealth, and spiritual growth in the week ahead.

How to have a Melaveh Malkah meal

When and where to eat

Both men and women are encouraged to have the Melaveh Malkah meal. After Shabbat ends and the Havdalah ceremony is done, people usually set a fresh tablecloth. They might also light candles for the meal. It is best to eat the meal as soon as Shabbat is over. However, if needed, you can have it later, but usually not past midnight. Some special teachers, called Hasidic rebbes, would even eat it on Sunday morning. But they always made sure to have some food on Saturday night.

What to eat

Ideally, the food for Melaveh Malkah should be made especially for this meal. It is better not to just eat leftovers from Shabbat. You can fulfill the custom by eating just a small piece of bread. If you are not very hungry, you can also drink a cup of fresh tea or coffee. Eating a piece of cake or fruit can also count.

Many people like to make a special dish to honor this meal. There is a story in the Talmud about a wise teacher named Rabbi Abbahu. His family would prepare a fresh calf after every Shabbat for this meal. One day, his son suggested saving a piece of meat from the calf they already ate on Shabbat. They tried this idea, but then a lion came and took the calf! This story teaches that it is good to make a special effort for the Melaveh Malkah meal. It shows that it is better to prepare new food rather than just using leftovers.

Songs and gatherings

Special songs are often sung during the Melaveh Malkah meal. A very popular song welcomes the Prophet Elijah. It is believed that Elijah will announce the coming of a special time of peace for the world.

Melaveh Malkah has also become a popular time for friends to get together on Saturday nights. Many Jewish groups also hold large Melaveh Malkah events. These gatherings can be a way to raise money for good causes.