interjection / noun

shalom

Peace and wholeness in Hebrew and Jewish usage.

Our host greets us with a warm shalom at the door.

Etymology

Hebrew shalom means peace and well-being. Its use as a greeting expresses a wish for that peaceful, whole condition.

More examples

She says shalom to her friends before heading home.
The rabbi describes shalom as wholeness, not merely the absence of conflict.
Their prayer asks for shalom in every home and community.

shalom

peace: Names freedom from conflict without necessarily conveying spiritual wholeness.
hello: Greets people without explicitly wishing them peace or wholeness.
goodbye: Marks a departure without explicitly wishing peace or wholeness.