Shalom
The Hebrew term 
shalom [שלום] (English spelling: shalom, in Ashkenazic pronunciation also shulm or scholem) initially means integrity and salvation. But by the term is meant not only deliverance from all calamity and misfortune, but also health, welfare, safety, peace, and tranquility, and it is one of the most common greetings in Israel. On Shabbat, Jews wish each other a peaceful Shabbat with the greeting שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם Shabbat Shalom.
"the peace which alone reconciles and strengthens, which calms us and brightens our countenance, frees us from restlessness and from the bondage of unsatisfied appetites, gives us the consciousness of what we have achieved, the consciousness of permanence, in the midst of our own transitoriness and that of all externals."
- Claude J. G. Montefiore: 1858-1938, Jewish scholar and founder of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
Shalom is already a central word in the Tanakh and consequently the usual greeting among Jews. It is also used as a farewell. The word is based on the Semitic root š-l-m and is closely related to the Arabic Salām.
The name of King Solomon goes back to the same root.
Rainbow flag at an Easter march with the Hebrew spelling for shalom and the Arabic for Salām
Shalom in Hebrew letters
Table with the components of שלום
Questions and Answers
Q: What does the Hebrew word "Shalom" mean?
A: Shalom means "peace" in Hebrew.
Q: How is "Shalom" used as a method of greeting?
A: Shalom is used as a way of saying "hello" and "goodbye".
Q: What are some other meanings of "Shalom" beyond its use for peace between two entities?
A: Other meanings of shalom include inner peace, calmness, well-being, welfare, and safety of an individual or group.
Q: What is the root of the word "shalom" related to in Hebrew?
A: The root of the word "shalom" can be related to "shalem" which means "wholeness", or to le-shalem which means "to complete, to reward, to pay, to compensate".
Q: Is "Shalom" just the absence of conflict or unfriendliness?
A: No, shalom is more than just the absence of conflict or unfriendliness. It also implies a return to balance, justice, and complete equality.
Q: What is the full sentence that "Shalom" is often a short form of?
A: The full sentence that "Shalom" is often a short form of is "Shalom Aleichem", which means "Peace is with you".
Q: Is there a similar phrase to "Shalom Aleichem" in Arabic?
A: Yes, there is a similar phrase to "Shalom Aleichem" in Arabic, which is "Salam Alaykum", meaning "Peace be with you".
