Change in the Text of 'Shalom Aleichem'
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Question
Hello, On Friday evening, when a person returns from the synagogue and sings 'Shalom Aleichem, ministering angels', 1. Why does the beginning speak of ministering angels and the continuation of angels of peace? 2. What is the significance of the order: Shalom Aleichem, Boachem LeShalom, Berchuni LeShalom, and Tzetchem LeShalom? 3. Regarding those who add 'Beshivtchem LeShalom' — should it be added?
Answer
Hello
In the book 'Heichal HaBeracha' (Komarno), it is written that only the angels of peace descend to Jewish homes on Friday night. However, initially, we bless all 'ministering angels' who remain above.
In the name of the Gaon, Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, I heard a wonderful explanation that the ones who come to the Jewish home are a good angel and a bad angel, and each comes for their task, but when the home is ready for Shabbat, the bad angel is forced to answer 'Amen' to the blessing of the good angel. Therefore, initially, they are different and there is no 'peace' between them, but after they come and agree with the first opinion, they become angels of peace.