This post presents an alternative version of Shalom Aleichem, where half of the stanzas are written with the traditional masculine God-language, while the other half use feminine God-language, reflecting a blend of Jewish tradition with modern feminist approaches. While the Hebrew and transliterated texts are based on the traditional words, the English poem, written by Rabbi Burt Jacobson of the Jewish Renewal movement, is an interpretation of the concepts, rather than a direct translation. This source is from Ritualwell.org, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
Shalom Aleichem with Alternating Masculine and Feminine God-Language
Shalom aleychem malachey hasharet malachey elyon
mimeleh malehey hamelahim hakadosh baruh hu
Bo’achen leshalom malachot hashalom malachot elyon
mimalkat malechot hamelachot hakedoshah beruchah hi
Barechuni leshalom malachey hashalom malachey elyon
mimelech malechey hamelachim hakadosh baruh hu
Tzetchen leshalom malachot hashalom malachot elyon
mimalkat malechot hamelachot hakedoshah beruchah hi
One of the best-known examples of angelology in the Jewish tradition, Shalom Aleychem remains a popular Shabbat evening table song. According to legend, an angel accompanies each Jew to and from the synagogue on Shabbat evening, for protection and companionship. These English words can be sung to the traditional melody.
Welcome among us, messengers of shalom,
angels of the Highest One,
from deep within us, Majesty of Majesties,
the blessed Holy One.
Come, then, in shalom,
blessing us with shalom,
leaving us with holy shalom,
from deep within us, Majesty of Majesties,
the blessed Holy One.