שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם
Shabbat Shalom
“Peaceful Sabbath”
Shabbat Shalom (שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “peaceful sabbath,” pronounced “sha-BAT sha-LOM.” The literal translation is “sabbath peace.” The standard greeting from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. Combines the holiness of the Sabbath with the wish for peace.
| Hebrew | שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shabbat Shalom |
| English Meaning | Peaceful Sabbath |
| Literal Translation | Sabbath peace |
| Pronunciation | sha-BAT sha-LOM |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | Biblical — the Sabbath is established in Genesis 2:2-3 and commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). The greeting 'Shabbat Shalom' is a natural combination of two of the most important words in Hebrew tradition. |
Every Friday as the sun begins to set, a transformation sweeps across Israel. Shops close, buses stop running, phones go silent in observant neighborhoods, and the air fills with two words: Shabbat Shalom. This greeting — combining Shabbat (Sabbath, cessation) with Shalom (peace, wholeness) — is the weekly heartbeat of Jewish life. Shabbat is not merely a day off; it's the only ritual mentioned in the Ten Commandments, and the Talmud calls it a 'taste of the world to come.' When you say Shabbat Shalom, you're wishing someone not just a nice weekend, but an experience of the divine rest that God modeled on the seventh day of creation.
Where Does “Shabbat Shalom” Come From?
Biblical — the Sabbath is established in Genesis 2:2-3 and commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). The greeting 'Shabbat Shalom' is a natural combination of two of the most important words in Hebrew tradition.
When and How to Say “Shabbat Shalom”
Used from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. In Israel, it begins appearing in workplaces by Thursday afternoon. You'll hear it in synagogues, at Shabbat dinners, and as a farewell on Friday. Among Ashkenazi Jews, the Yiddish 'Gut Shabbos' is equally common.
Cultural Context of Shabbat Shalom
In Israel, 'Shabbat Shalom' is universal — even secular Israelis who don't observe Shabbat religiously use the greeting. It marks the weekly transition from work to rest. Shabbat in Israel also means no public transportation, most businesses closed, and a noticeable quieting of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Peaceful Sabbath” in Hebrew?
“Peaceful Sabbath” in Hebrew is Shabbat Shalom (שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם), pronounced “sha-BAT sha-LOM.” The literal translation is “Sabbath peace.” The standard greeting from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. Combines the holiness of the Sabbath with the wish for peace.
How do you pronounce Shabbat Shalom?
Shabbat Shalom is pronounced “sha-BAT sha-LOM.” The literal meaning is “Sabbath peace.”
When do you say Shabbat Shalom?
Shabbat Shalom is appropriate from Friday afternoon (some start saying it Thursday evening or Friday morning) through Saturday evening when Shabbat ends at nightfall. In Israel, it's the default greeting in workplaces from about noon on Friday onwards.
What is Shabbat and why is it important?
Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall. It's one of the most important observances in Judaism — the only ritual included in the Ten Commandments. It commemorates God's rest on the seventh day of creation and Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt.
How do you respond to Shabbat Shalom?
Simply say 'Shabbat Shalom' back! There's no special reversed form like with Shalom Aleikhem. You can also respond 'Shabbat Shalom u'Mevorach' (A peaceful and blessed Sabbath) for extra warmth. In Yiddish-speaking communities, 'Gut Shabbos' (Good Sabbath) is the equivalent.
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