Shalom is one of the few words that works as hello, goodbye and a wish all at once. Most people translate it as peace. That is true, but it leaves out almost everything that makes the word beautiful.
What Does Shalom Mean?
Shalom (שלום) means peace, but not only the absence of conflict. It comes from a Hebrew root meaning whole or complete, the same root as shalem, whole, and leshalem, to make complete. So shalom is peace in the sense of wholeness: a life, a home or a heart with nothing missing.
That is why it works as a greeting. Saying shalom to someone is wishing them that wholeness, whether they are arriving or leaving.
How Shalom Is Written
Shalom is four Hebrew letters, read right to left: shin (ש), lamed (ל), vav (ו) and a final mem (ם). The mem changes shape at the end of a word, which is why the last letter looks different from a mem anywhere else. It is pronounced "sha LOHM", with the stress on the second half.
Shalom in Everyday Life
You'll hear it in a few fixed phrases. Shalom aleichem means "peace be upon you", and the reply is aleichem shalom. Shabbat shalom is the greeting for the Sabbath, a wish for a peaceful day of rest. And shalom bayit, peace in the home, describes a household where everyone is at ease with each other.
Shalom and Salaam
Hebrew and Arabic are sister languages, and shalom has an Arabic twin: salaam (سلام), from the same ancient root and carrying the same meaning. Salaam alaykum, the everyday Arabic greeting, is word for word the same wish as shalom aleichem. Two languages, one idea of peace.
Why People Wear Shalom
Some wear it as a quiet statement of hope. Some wear it for a person who brought them peace, or a home they want to protect. For others it is simply the most complete thing a single word can say. It is also a thoughtful gift for a new home, a wedding, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or someone who has been through a hard stretch and come out the other side.
If you like shalom, you might also like chai, the Hebrew word for life. We covered it in our guide to chai.
Wear Shalom in Hebrew
Paste שלום into the live preview on a Hebrew necklace, bracelet or ring and it appears exactly as it will be made, as one seamless piece in Hebrew letters. Prefer a name? The same pieces carry names too, and here is how names look in Hebrew.
Choose 18K gold plating, Rhodium Silver or 18K rose gold plating, made on a stainless steel base, not brass, so it is waterproof, durable and hypoallergenic, and backed by a 10 year warranty.
Every piece is made to order and finished by hand in 7 to 10 days, then delivered free within 1 to 2 weeks, anywhere in the world, in our burgundy gift box.
For something more precious, every piece also comes in 18K Gold Vermeil, real 18K gold over solid 925 sterling silver. Vermeil rings are made to size, US 4 to 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does shalom mean?
Shalom means peace, in the sense of wholeness and completeness rather than only the absence of conflict. It comes from a Hebrew root meaning whole.
Does shalom mean hello or goodbye?
Both. Shalom is used as hello and as goodbye, and in both cases it is a wish for the other person's peace and wholeness.
How do you write shalom in Hebrew?
שלום, four letters read right to left: shin, lamed, vav and a final mem.
What does shalom aleichem mean?
It means "peace be upon you". The traditional reply is aleichem shalom, "upon you, peace".
Is shalom related to salaam?
Yes. Hebrew shalom and Arabic salaam come from the same ancient Semitic root and share the same meaning of peace.
Can I wear shalom on jewelry?
Yes. Paste שלום into the live preview on any Hebrew necklace, bracelet or ring and it is made exactly as shown, in Hebrew letters.