Shalom Aleichem
On the eve of Shabbat, two ministering angels accompany a person home from the synagogue. One angel represents the positive forces and one angel represents the negative forces. When the person arrives home and finds the candles lit, the table set and the house in proper order – in other words, a house prepared for Shabbat – then the positive angel says “May it be thus for another Shabbat!” The negative angel must affirm this and say “Amen.” If, however, the house is not ready for Shabbat, the negative angel says “May it be thus for another Shabbat!” The positive angel must affirm this and say “Amen.”
Rabbi Josi, son of Judah
Talmud (Shabbat:119b)
The positive angel and the negative angel who accompany us home from the synagogue are the angels to whom we sing Shalom Aleichem. These two angels remind us of the importance of the Shabbat atmosphere. The Shabbat is more than just a day of resting from work, it is a day infused with holiness.
Throughout rabbinic literature, one finds Shabbat referred to as both the “Shabbat Queen” and the “Shabbat Bride.” The accompanying angels are like royal servants who have come to make certain that everything is prepared for the arrival of the Queen. So grand is the arrival of Shabbat, that even preparing for its arrival brings extra blessings to one’s home.
Peace be unto you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High,
the King of kings, the Holy One, Blessed be He.
May your coming be in peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High,
the King of kings, the Holy One, Blessed be He.
Bless me with peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High,
the King of kings, the Holy One, Blessed be He.
May your departure be in peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High,
the King of kings, the Holy One, Blessed be He.
Shalom aleichem, malachei ha’sharayt, malachei elyon, mi’melech malchei ha’mlachim, HaKadosh Baruch Hoo:
Bo’achem l’shalom, malachei ha’shalom, malachei elyon, mi’melech malchei ha’mlachim, HaKadosh Baruch Hoo:
Barchunee l’shalom, malachei ha’shalom, malachei elyon, mi’melech malchei ha’mlachim, HaKadosh Baruch Hoo:
Tzaytchem l’shalom, malachei ha’shalom, malachei elyon, mi’melech malchei ha’mlachim, HaKadosh Baruch Hoo:
Shabbat
The Jewish Sabbath has been called an “oasis in time.” This heavenly gift is a unique opportunity for spiritual and psychological renewal that comes every week!
