As Shabbat begins and we welcome the peace of this sacred time, we also welcome the mal’achei ha-shalom — the angels of peace. It’s a gentle tradition to recite Shalom Aleichem after lighting the candles, as we symbolically invite these angels to join us in our homes and bless the coming day of rest.
This moment is calm and tender — the light flickers, the world quiets, and we breathe in Shabbat. As we sing or recite these ancient words, we acknowledge the divine presence that fills our space, bringing warmth, protection, and serenity.
Hebrew
שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת
מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן
מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בּוֹאֲכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם
מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן
מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בָּרְכֻנִי לְשָׁלוֹם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם
מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן
מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
צֵאתְכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם
מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן
מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
Transliteration
Shalom aleichem, mal’achei ha-sharet,
mal’achei Elyon,
miMelech malchei ham’lachim,
haKadosh Baruch Hu.
Bo’achem l’shalom, mal’achei ha-shalom,
mal’achei Elyon,
miMelech malchei ham’lachim,
haKadosh Baruch Hu.
Barchuni l’shalom, mal’achei ha-shalom,
mal’achei Elyon,
miMelech malchei ham’lachim,
haKadosh Baruch Hu.
Tzeit’chem l’shalom, mal’achei ha-shalom,
mal’achei Elyon,
miMelech malchei ham’lachim,
haKadosh Baruch Hu.
English Translation
Peace be upon you, ministering angels,
messengers of the Most High,
from the King of kings,
the Holy One, blessed be He.
May your coming be in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High,
from the King of kings,
the Holy One, blessed be He.
Bless me with peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High,
from the King of kings,
the Holy One, blessed be He.
May your departure be in peace, angels of peace,
messengers of the Most High,
from the King of kings,
the Holy One, blessed be He.
Reflection
When I recite Shalom Aleichem, I imagine peace entering the room like a soft light. It’s a way to shift our energy — to let go of the noise from the week and step into the calm presence of Shabbat. Whether sung or spoken quietly, this prayer helps us feel accompanied, protected, and blessed as the day of rest unfolds.
Why We Greet the Angels
According to Jewish tradition, two angels accompany us home from synagogue on Friday night — one good and one less so. If the home is ready for Shabbat, with candles glowing and peace filling the air, the good angel says, “May it be so next week,” and the other must agree. By greeting them with warmth and reverence, we invite blessing into our homes and hearts — not through superstition, but through the awareness that peace and holiness begin with our own readiness to receive them.
📖 Sources and Further Reading:
The Chai Life 
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