Pray for the well-being of Yerushalayim; “May those who love you be at peace.”Psalms 122:6 (The Israel Bible™)שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם יִשְׁלָיוּ אֹהֲבָיִךְHear the verse in Hebrewsha-a-LU sh’-LOM y’-ru-sha-LA-im yish-LA-yu o-ha-VA-yikh
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
This psalm starts with the words sha’alu sh’lom Yerushalayim, (pray for the well-being of Jerusalem). Shalom, translated here as ‘well-being,’ is the first Hebrew word many people learn. It actually has three meanings: ‘hello,’ ‘goodbye’ and ‘peace.’ It is the word with which friends greet one another, but Shalom is more than a greeting; it is also a blessing. Peace is the most important gift we can ask from Hashem (God), on an individual level, as families, and between nations. It is therefore of utmost significance that the world’s holiest city, Yerushalayim, has the word shalom at its core, because it is meant to be the source for all peace on earth. King David exhorts “Pray for the well-being of Yerushalayim,” for when Yerushalayim is confronted with conflict, the whole world suffers. Conversely, though, when Yerushalayim is at peace, the entire world enjoys serenity.
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