Shalom, in Hebrew, can mean both “hello” and “peace.” To say Shabbat shalom, therefore, is to greet the Sabbath and describe its serenity. Or perhaps, to say hello to peace.
I am not religious. I do not keep Shabbat in the traditional sense. But like many other Jews, I’ve found it to be an opportunity for rest and reflection.
Shabbat was a tradition at a summer camp I used to attend. Counselors led campers in song. My friends and I put our arms around each other. We swayed. Our heartbeats slowed.
