Shalom Aleichem

An illustration depicting the saying of the expression 'Shalom Aleichem' (Artist: Yechiel Ofner)

When two Jews meet, it is customary for one to greet the other with "Shalom Aleichem" (peace be upon you), and the other responds with "Aleichem Shalom" (upon you be peace).

Nusach of the Blessing

The nusach customary in Chabad, which was established by the Alter Rebbe in the Kiddush Levana text and in the "Shalom Aleichem" piyut recited on Friday night, is to say "Shalom Aleichem" in plural form.

This follows what is written in the writings of the Arizal, rather than what is brought in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch, which use the singular form.

The Rebbe explains the reason for this: Because together with every Jew (who fears Heaven), two angels accompany him.

Even though the Alter Rebbe writes in his Shulchan Aruch (regarding saying "Hischabdu mechubadim" before entering the bathroom), "We do not consider ourselves to be Heaven-fearing individuals whom angels accompany," the simple answer is: This applies to oneself, but regarding another person, one should consider them to be Heaven-fearing.

But this answer is not entirely satisfactory, because regarding saying "V'imru Amen" in "Oseh Shalom," one says this even when praying or making a blessing alone, as one is speaking to the angels who accompany him—and isn't this regarding oneself? The Rebbe explains that when it comes to oneself alone, a person should consider himself not to be Heaven-fearing, but when fulfilling the mitzvah of ahavas Yisroel, when meeting another person, angels are created from this mitzvah, and to them one speaks in plural form.

Content of the Blessing

This blessing includes all blessings in physical and spiritual matters. Since it is the vessel that holds the blessing, when we emphasize this in speech it gives extra strong power.

The Rebbe explains why the second Jew answers in reverse from what the first one asked ("Shalom Aleichem" and "Aleichem Shalom"), because the purpose of saying the blessing is to establish peace between the two people. Thus, the first one asks the second, "Shalom Aleichem"—meaning, do you agree that peace should dwell between us? And the second responds, "Aleichem Shalom"—meaning, I desire peace not only because you asked, but also from my own initiative.

In Chassidic terms: When the first person asks, this is from above to below, where peace dwells in "Aleichem"—the two Jews. And when the second person answers, this is from below to above, as they draw down peace from their own initiative.

Manner of Saying the Blessing

The Frierdiker Rebbe describes the difference between how "Shalom Aleichem" was said in earlier times versus today: "The person himself was warmer and the simple 'Shalom Aleichem' (of weekdays) was more sincere. When two Jews would meet, the 'Shalom Aleichem' and 'Aleichem Shalom' were said with inner vitality."

...[But today] "In the regular 'Shalom Aleichem' of today, one can often or most of the time feel a sense of 'go in peace' (Lech L'Shalom)."

In Kiddush Levanah (Sanctification of the Moon)

During the blessing of Kiddush Levanah, it is customary to say "Shalom Aleichem" (peace be upon you) to three friends, and they respond "Aleichem Shalom" (upon you be peace).

The Rebbe explains that the concept of Kiddush Levanah is the connection and revelation of Ze'ir Anpin (the giver) within Malchut (the receiver). In other words: connecting the higher revelations with the limited physicality. Saying "Shalom Aleichem" is meant to connect these two aspects (giver and receiver).

Therefore, we say "Shalom Aleichem" three times:

1. The connection of the giver (Ze'ir Anpin) with the receiver (Malchut), in a manner from above to below.
2. The connection of the receiver to the giver in a manner from below to above.
3. The union of both aspects together.

In the Coming of Moshiach

The Midrash states that when Moshiach comes, he will immediately begin by saying "Shalom," and all of Israel will respond to him "Shalom Aleichem."

In the talk of Shabbat Parshat Bamidbar 5751 (1991), the Rebbe said: "And each one of us says to Moshiach Tzidkeinu 'Shalom Aleichem,' 'Aleichem' in the plural form - including all the souls of all the Jewish people in the generation of redemption, and he responds to each one individually 'Aleichem Shalom' ['Aleichem' in the plural form includes - our deeds and service of each and every Jew], and 'Aleichem Shalom' to all Jewish people together, and furthermore - and this is the main thing - immediately."

Shalom Aleichem Hymn

Shalom Aleichem is a hymn sung before Kiddush on Friday night.

In this hymn, we bless the angels who accompany a person from the synagogue, ask them for a blessing, and bid them farewell.

See Also

• Shalom Aleichem niggun (melody)