שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם
shabbat shalom
Shabbat shalom wishes someone a peaceful Sabbath
What it means
Shabbat shalom is the greeting of the Jewish day of rest, which runs from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. Word for word it is Sabbath of peace. Gut shabbos is the same wish in Yiddish.
When Israelis say it
In Israel it starts early: shops, colleagues and bus drivers say it from Thursday afternoon. It is said through Shabbat itself, at synagogue and at the table, until Shabbat ends.
How to answer
Shabbat shalom back. Once Shabbat is over on Saturday night the greeting changes to shavua tov, a good week.
Frequently asked questions
When do you stop saying Shabbat shalom?
When Shabbat ends on Saturday night. From then on the greeting is shavua tov, a good week.
Can anyone say Shabbat shalom?
Yes. It is a friendly greeting in Israel for anyone, religious or not, Jewish or not.