Shalom, like many Hebrew words, has more than one meaning.

  • Shalom means peace, and is rooted in the word שלם (shaleim), which means completion. Without peace, there can be no completion...
  • Shalom is also commonly used as a greeting and salutation and can mean both "hello" and "goodby."
  • Shalom is also one of the Divine names, as such one should not greet a friend with "Shalom!" when in a place, such as a lavatory, where it is forbidden to pronounce G‑d's name.1
  • Shalom is also a common boy's name, though, interestingly, the Talmud refers to it as a woman's name (the name of Rabbi Eliezer's wife).

Shalom Is Key

There are many references to this word and its variations throughout the Torah, Talmud and the commentaries. One I like in particular is the Mishnah that says: "G‑d did not find a vessel that could hold blessing other than shalom (peace)."

The more shalom we bring to the world, the quicker will we attain completion and true, everlasting peace.

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