Amidora

Amidora · Library

Shalom Aleichem

Ashkenaz · Shabbat · Shabbat Evening · Shalom Aleichem

Nusach
Ashkenaz
Edition
Translation based on the Metsudah linear siddur, by Avrohom Davis, 1981

Shalom Aleichem

Rabbi Yose son of Rabbi Yehudah said: “Two angels accompany a man on the eve of Shabbos from the synagogue to his home, one good angel and one evil angel.” When the person arrives home to find the lights burning, the table set, and the bed made, the good angel exclaims, “May it be God's will that it be so next Shabbos.” But if not so, if the the house is dark and in disorder, the evil angel exclaims, “May it be God's will that it be so next Shabbos.” The good angel is compelled to answer Amein.—Maseches Shabbos 119b The custom of singing Sholom Aleichem, peace upon you, upon returning from the synagogue is based on the above Talmudic teaching. Since every Jew is accompanied home by these two angels, it is fitting that he welcome them into his home. Obviously, one should prepare for Shabbos in such manner to evoke the angels' best wishes.

Peace upon you, angels of God's service, angels of the Most High, from the King of kings-of-kings, the Holy One, blessed is He.

Kings of yore, who ruled over other nations were known as ‘kings of kings.’ God is King even of the kings’ kings.

Come in peace, angels of peace, angels of the Most High, from the King of kings-of-kings the Holy One, blessed is He.

Bless me with peace, angels of peace, angels of the Most High from the King of kings-of-kings the Holy One, blessed is He.

Go in peace, angels of peace, angels of the Most High from the King of kings-of-kings the Holy One, blessed is He.

For His angels He will command in your behalf, to guard you in all your ways. Adonoy will guard your going and coming from now, forever.

Psalms 91:11.

Psalms 121:8.

Where it comes in the siddur

In the other nusachs

Texts and sources

Every prayer text in Amidora comes from openly licensed editions published on Sefaria. Only editions released under CC-BY, CC0 or the public domain are included.