שָלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָרֵת מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיו

Sometimes, when the world of Spirit brushes against our own, tiny ripples arise and drift across our minds. These extra-ordinary experiences are called angels, or messengers.

A mystical hymn about such encounters is chanted every Sabbath eve: Shalom Aleikhem Malaakhei ha Sharet, “Welcome to you, ministering angels.” It consists of four short verses:

Shalom Aleikhem: Welcome, Ministering angels. This is a courteous greeting, but it is tentative, and we must enquire: Are you truly Messengers from on high? Did you come from the Source of All Being, or are you figments of my fancy?

Bo’akhem Leshalom: Come, Messengers from on high, who are indeed messengers from the Source of All Being. Do not pass me by, O angels from on high, enter my tent, enjoy my hospitality, abide with me!

Barkhuni Leshalom: Bless me, Messengers from on high, angels from the Source of All Being. Bless me, know me, touch me, name me, shine your light upon my soul, leave your mark upon my heart!

Tzeytkhem leshalom: Farewell, Messengers from on high, go to your place in peace. I cannot hold you back; but know, should you return I shall be here.