Shabbat Shalom – meaning and how to answer שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם
“Shabbat Shalom” (שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם) means “a peaceful Shabbat”. It is the standard greeting from Friday afternoon until Shabbat ends on Saturday night, and the answer is the same: “Shabbat Shalom”.
When and how
- From Friday, as Shabbat approaches, until havdalah on Saturday night.
- The reply is “Shabbat Shalom” – or “Shabbat Shalom u’mevorach” (a peaceful and blessed Shabbat), common among Sephardim.
- Ashkenazim often say it in Yiddish: “Gut Shabbos”.
- After Shabbat ends, the greeting becomes “Shavua Tov” – a good week (Yiddish: “A gute vokh”).
Why greet the Shabbat?
The Torah commands “Remember the Shabbat day to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The commentators explain that mentioning Shabbat during the week and welcoming it with words are ways of remembering it. The Talmud describes two angels who accompany a person home on Friday night and bless a house prepared for Shabbat (Shabbat 119b) – the source of the song “Shalom Aleichem”.
Sources
זָכוֹר אֶת־יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ
Talmud and halachic sources
- Talmud, Shabbat 119b – the angels of Friday night
- Mekhilta on Exodus 20:8
Frequently asked questions
- What do you reply to “Shabbat Shalom”?
- “Shabbat Shalom” – the same words back.
- Can non-Jews say Shabbat Shalom?
- Yes. It is a friendly, respectful greeting and is warmly received.
- What is the difference between Shabbat Shalom and Gut Shabbos?
- Same meaning. “Gut Shabbos” is the Yiddish form used mostly by Ashkenazi Jews.
- What do you say on Saturday night?
- “Shavua Tov” – have a good week.