The Jewish Calendar and Holidays (incl. Sabbath): The Sabbath: Melave Malka:
What is a Malave Malka, and what happens at one?
"Melave" means to "escort" and "Malka" means "queen." The Shabbat is often compared to a queen in traditional Jewish sources, because it is a day that we honor as if we are hosting royalty in our homes. There is a custom to "escort" the "Shabbat queen" as she leaves us for another week, by having a meal at some stage on Saturday night after the Shabbat has ended. People often sing traditional songs of praise ("zemirot") at the meal. It is a way to hold on to the Shabbat a bit longer, to bring its spirit into the week. Melaveh Malka can take forms as varied as the dancing and singing of hundreds at a synagogue, an intimate gathering at home, or almost anything in between. There will often be music, sometimes live, playing throughout the meal
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