Evenu Shalom Alehem??

Cafe Society
1

I found this songon Youtube apparently about Israel and sung by Venezuelians, and I’m wondering what it is about.

I guess I could have asked on Youtube, but I thought I would have better and quicker answers here.

Thanks in advance.

2

“Hevenu Shalom Aleichem” (no relation to the writer) is an Israeli folk ditty dating back to the 1940s. It means “we have brought peace upon you”, and as far as I know, those are the full extent of the lyrics.

3

Thanks. Does it have any particular significance/symbolism/fame in Israel? Does it refer to something specific?

4

“Shalom Aleichem” means “Peace to You” and is a common greeting (and farewell)* and has been for centuries. For millenia. It’s found in the book of Genesis 43:23, Joseph says “Peace to you” (“Shalom Lechem”) to his brothers.

The additional word “Hevenu” means “We bring,” so the song is “We bring peace to you.”

It’s a very old traditional folk-song, and there’s no further significance per se. However, it’s been used a lot in various ways. For example, the famous Yiddish writer Solomon Rabinowitz took on the pen name “Sholem Aleichem” (you know him as the author of the stories upon which Fiddler on the Roof was based.)

  • The response is “Aleichem Shalom” (“To you, Peace”). Interestingly, the Arabic greeting is very similar: “salaam alikem” with response “alikem salaam.”