On the conclusion of Shabbat, it is customary to eat a meal for melaveh malka, “escorting the queen.” The purpose of this meal is to honor the queen, Shabbat, upon her departure, just as she is honored at her arrival.

Ideally, it is proper to eat bread at this meal, even if one can eat only a small amount. If it is difficult for one to eat a meal, because he is still full from the meals of the day or for any other reason, he should at least eat pastries or fruit.

Since this meal is eaten in honor of Shabbat upon its conclusion, there are various customs meant to ensure that it is conducted in a dignified manner, for example spreading a tablecloth on the table, lighting candles, and reciting or singing liturgical poems that revolve around the figure of Elijah the Prophet.

According to the Talmud, Elijah the Prophet, who is the harbinger of redemption, is not expected to appear on Shabbat, so as not to disturb the observance of Shabbat. Therefore, immediately after Shabbat has ended, as soon as Elijah’s arrival becomes possible, we await him and his tidings, and express this yearning through songs and liturgical poems.

Further reading: For more on yearning for redemption and the messiah, see A Concise Guide to the Sages, p. 391; A Concise Guide to Mahshava, p. 145.