שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם
Shalom Aleikhem
“Peace be with you”
Shalom Aleikhem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “peace be with you,” pronounced “sha-LOM a-ley-KHEM.” The literal translation is “peace upon you.” A formal greeting wishing peace upon another person. Also the name of a beloved Shabbat hymn sung on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels.
| Hebrew | שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shalom Aleikhem |
| English Meaning | Peace be with you |
| Literal Translation | Peace upon you |
| Pronunciation | sha-LOM a-ley-KHEM |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | The greeting form has ancient Semitic roots shared with Arabic ('Salaam Alaikum'). The Shabbat hymn 'Shalom Aleikhem' was composed based on the Talmudic passage (Shabbat 119b) describing two angels who accompany a person home on Friday evening. |
| Scripture Reference | Genesis 43:23 |
Every Friday evening in Jewish homes around the world, a hauntingly beautiful melody rises from the dinner table: Shalom Aleikhem, malachei hashareit — 'Peace upon you, ministering angels.' This ancient greeting-turned-hymn welcomes the Sabbath angels believed to accompany each person home from synagogue. But Shalom Aleikhem is also an everyday greeting — a more formal, traditional alternative to the simple 'Shalom.' The response follows a precise protocol: you reverse the word order to 'Aleikhem Shalom' (upon you, peace), creating a reciprocal exchange of blessing that has been practiced for millennia.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 43:23
“He replied, 'Peace (shalom) to you, do not be afraid.'”
Where Does “Shalom Aleikhem” Come From?
The greeting form has ancient Semitic roots shared with Arabic ('Salaam Alaikum'). The Shabbat hymn 'Shalom Aleikhem' was composed based on the Talmudic passage (Shabbat 119b) describing two angels who accompany a person home on Friday evening.
When and How to Say “Shalom Aleikhem”
As a greeting, it's used in formal or traditional contexts — when meeting an elder, a rabbi, or in religious settings. As a hymn, it's sung at the Friday night Shabbat table before Kiddush. The traditional response is 'Aleikhem Shalom' (upon you, peace).
Cultural Context of Shalom Aleikhem
The Shabbat table singing of Shalom Aleikhem is one of the most unifying Jewish rituals — observed across Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrachi communities with different melodies but the same words. It marks the transition from the workweek into sacred Sabbath time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Peace be with you” in Hebrew?
“Peace be with you” in Hebrew is Shalom Aleikhem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם), pronounced “sha-LOM a-ley-KHEM.” The literal translation is “Peace upon you.” A formal greeting wishing peace upon another person. Also the name of a beloved Shabbat hymn sung on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels.
How do you pronounce Shalom Aleikhem?
Shalom Aleikhem is pronounced “sha-LOM a-ley-KHEM.” The literal meaning is “Peace upon you.”
How do you respond to Shalom Aleikhem?
The traditional response is 'Aleikhem Shalom' (עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם), reversing the word order to mean 'upon you, peace.' This reciprocal greeting mirrors the Arabic 'Wa-Alaikum as-Salaam.' The reversal creates a beautiful exchange: one person offers peace, and the other returns it.
What is the Shalom Aleikhem Shabbat song about?
The hymn welcomes the Sabbath angels who, according to the Talmud (Shabbat 119b), accompany each person home from synagogue on Friday evening. The lyrics ask the angels to come in peace, bless in peace, and depart in peace. It's sung at the Shabbat table before the meal begins.
Is Shalom Aleikhem the same as the Arabic Salaam Alaikum?
They are cognate phrases from sister Semitic languages. Hebrew 'Shalom Aleikhem' and Arabic 'Salaam Alaikum' share the same root (S-L-M, meaning peace/wholeness) and the same structure (peace upon you). Both reflect a deep Semitic tradition of greeting with a blessing of peace.
Sources & Further Study
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