שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם
shalom aleichem
The English phrase 'may peace be with you' is translated into Hebrew as שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם (shalom aleichem).
The phrase is a traditional greeting used to wish peace upon the people being addressed, literally meaning 'peace upon you.'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of שָׁלוֹם, meaning 'peace' and עֲלֵיכֶם, meaning 'upon you' in the plural form.
Which one should you use?
שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם is the plural form. It is used when addressing a group of people or as a respectful way to address a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing: use שָׁלוֹם עָלֶיךָ to address a single male and שָׁלוֹם עָלַיִךְ to address a single female.
How do you pronounce it?
shalom aleichem
When do people say it?
While used in Hebrew, this specific phrasing is a common traditional greeting in Jewish and many Middle Eastern cultures.
Did you know?
- The phrase שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם is the namesake of one of the most famous Yiddish writers in history, Shalom Aleichem, who wrote 'The Tevye Stories'.
- In some traditional Jewish households, the phrase is used to welcome literal 'angels' to the Friday night meal. It is believed that these celestial beings accompany people home from the synagogue.
- The word שָׁלוֹם shares an ancient Semitic root with the concept of 'payment' or 'restitution' in some contexts, implying that peace is a state of being 'complete' or 'settled'.
Examples in context
- שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם, חֲבֵרִים.shalom aleichem, chaverim.May peace be with you, friends.
- שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם כֻּלְּכֶם.shalom aleichem kulchem.May peace be with you all.
- אֲנִי אוֹמֵר לָכֶם: שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם.ani omer lachem: shalom aleichem.I say to you: may peace be with you.
Example conversation
Ido enters a room where Noa and her family are gathered.
- עידו Idoשָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם!Shalom aleichem!May peace be with you!
- נועה Noaשלום עליכם, עידו.Shalom aleichem, Ido.And peace be with you, Ido.
- עידו Idoשמח לראות אתכם.Sameach lir'ot etchem.Happy to see you.
- נועה Noaגם אנחנו, ברוך הבא.Gam anachnu, baruch haba.We are too, welcome.
