Last week at Friday night Shabbat services at South Street Temple, Lincoln had the pleasure of welcoming Rabbi Craig Lewis into the Jewish community. My wife and I are members at the synagogue, but we felt it would be important to attend temple services that night to show support to the larger Jewish community. I was impressed with Rabbi Lewis when I had dinner with him some weeks ago. That opinion was only enhanced by a spectacular and inspiring sermon on the simple text "Shalom Aleikhem". The song is a traditional one for Shabbat on Friday. The legend is that two angels accompany you home on Shabbat. If your house is ready for the Sabbath, the good angel says, may it be so on the next Shabbat. If your house is not ready, the bad angel says the same thing. Some years ago when my wife lost two grandparents in a short period of time, I made a setting of this text as a response. I love the simple beauty of the melody. The recording is by the fabulous Tampa Bay Children's Chorus with Averill Summer conducting. The text is below the video. I'm very excited that Rabbi Lewis and his family are coming here. I think it will be a great addition to the spiritual life of our city.
Peace upon you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. Come in peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. Bless me with peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. May your departure be in peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.