Fourth Meal
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Question
Hello, Regarding the fourth meal, 1. What is the source of the law? What is the reason for having the fourth meal and what is its significance? 2. Until what maximum time can it be eaten? For example, until dawn of the first day?
Answer
Hello
The source of the law to have a meal on Saturday night is from the Gemara in Shabbat (page 119).
The purpose of the meal is to escort the Sabbath upon its departure.
According to the law, it can be held until the end of the night, as until then it is called 'Motzei Shabbat'. However, there is a preference to have it as close to the Sabbath as possible, so it is evident that it is escorting the departing Sabbath. Some have written that the main thing is not to engage in other matters before eating the meal. Others have written not to delay it past midnight.
Source
Gemara Shabbat (119:).
Rabbi Chanina said, a person should always set his table on Motzei Shabbat even if he only needs an olive's worth:
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman ש סעיף א
A person should always set his table on Motzei Shabbat to escort the Sabbath, even if he only needs an olive's worth.
Rashi explained, as brought in Mishnah Berurah sk"b.
Just as one must honor the Sabbath upon its entrance, so must one honor it upon its exit, just as one escorts a king leaving the city
Mishnah Berurah Siman ש
It seems good to have it close to the exit of the Sabbath, and if he is not yet hungry, at least he should not engage in regular work until he fulfills this meal, and see Shaarei Teshuva where it implies it is not advisable to delay it past midnight.