The Hebrew word
shalom
has a wider meaning than the English equivalent
"peace", for it signifies welfare of every kind - security, contentment,
sound health, prosperity, friendship, peace of mind and heart, as
opposed to the dissatisfaction and unrest caused by evil
(Yeshayahu [Isa.] 32:17; 48:22).
Hillel said, "Love peace and strive for
peace" (Avot 1:12).
Among Talmudic statements about peace the
following may be quoted:
"The whole Torah exists on for the sake of
peace. For the sake of peace, truth may be sacrificed" (Gittin 59b;
Yevanot 65b)
The phrase
shalom
lachem (peace be with you) occurs in
Bereishit (Gen.)
43:23 in the sense of the usual Hebrew greeting
shalom aleichem,
now generally abbreviated to shalom.
The inverted order aleichem shalom
in response to the greeting
shalom aleichem
is a form of emphasis. According to a Talmudic statement, he who does
not return a greeting is called a robber (Berachot
6b). We are told to meet every person with
a friendly greeting (Avot 4:20).
Frames are beautiful
antique deep gold-tone or silver-tone and are self-standing or can be
hung on the wall.
Pictures do not show the true beauty of these
items!
Click thumbnail pictures for
larger view.
