Shalom Aleichem
The traditional Shabbat evening song welcoming the ministering angels of peace into the home.
Original
Transliteration
Shalom aleichem, malachei ha-sharet, malachei Elyon, mi-Melech malchei ha-melachim, Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu.
Translation
Peace be upon you, ministering angels, angels of the Most High — from the King of kings of kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.
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Quick answer
Shalom Aleichem is the traditional Jewish song sung on Friday evening to welcome the Shabbat angels of peace into the home before the sacred meal begins.
- Tradition
- Jewish Chants
- Language
- Hebrew
- Repetitions
- Each of the four verses is traditionally sung three times.
- Best time
- Friday evening at sundown, before the Shabbat meal.
- Best for
- Welcoming Shabbat on Friday evening, Inviting peace and blessing into the home, Cultivating gratitude and presence
Line by line
Shalom aleichem
Peace be upon you — a greeting of blessing and welcome.
Malachei ha-sharet, malachei Elyon
Ministering angels, angels of the Most High — the unseen messengers who accompany us home.
Mi-Melech malchei ha-melachim
From the King of kings of kings — the ultimate Source of all being.
Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu
The Holy One, blessed be He — a name of God expressing awe and love.
Meaning
Literal
A joyful welcome to two angels — one of good and one of judgment — who accompany each person home from synagogue on Friday evening, invited to bless the Shabbat table.
Spiritual interpretation
Shalom Aleichem transforms the home into a sanctuary. Sung softly around the Shabbat table, it acknowledges the presence of the sacred in the ordinary — the ministering angels of peace who bless a home filled with warmth, gratitude, and rest. The word 'shalom' itself means far more than 'peace' — it means wholeness, completeness, and the harmony that arises when heaven and earth meet.
What this mantra is used for
How to chant
Traditionally sung standing at the Shabbat table on Friday night, before Kiddush. Sing softly and slowly, four verses in all — welcoming the angels, blessing them in peace, asking them to bless the home, and sending them onward in peace.
When to chant
Friday evening at sundown, before the Shabbat meal.
Traditional count: Each of the four verses is traditionally sung three times.
Origin & context
Composed by kabbalistic mystics in the 16th or 17th century, inspired by a Talmudic teaching (Shabbat 119b) that two angels — one good and one challenging — accompany every person home from synagogue on Friday night. It has become one of the most beloved Shabbat songs in the Jewish world.
Related mantras
Shema Yisrael
The central Jewish declaration of faith — a sacred proclamation of God's oneness recited twice daily for over three thousand years.
Ana Bekoach
A mystical kabbalistic prayer of seven verses, invoking divine power to untangle the knots of the soul and restore harmony.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Shalom Aleichem sung?+
On Friday evening, after returning from synagogue and before the Shabbat meal, standing around the table with family and guests.
Who are the angels being welcomed?+
According to the Talmud, two angels — one good and one challenging — accompany each person home on Shabbat evening. Both are welcomed, blessed, and asked to leave in peace.
What does 'shalom' really mean?+
Far more than 'peace' — it means wholeness, completeness, well-being, and the harmony that arises when all is right within and around us.