Jewish Traditions: Shalom Bayit

Jewish Traditions: Shalom Bayit

May 27th, 2010 @ 10:44 am by Mrs. Hermit Crab
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Shalom Bayit is Hebrew for peace in the home.

I mentioned previously that I didn’t feel that different after we moved in together because it felt like the natural next step for us. However, we did make it a special experience for both of us (actually, you’ll soon find out, Mr. Hermit Crab made it special for me!).

Shortly before I moved to Syracuse, and in with Mr. Hermit Crab, we visited Israel. My birthday was in the middle of trip, and Mr. Hermit Crab gave me a very special present. He found a framed and painted version of the Birkat HaBayit - Blessing for the Home, and gave it to me to hang in our new home together.

personal photo of my Birkat HaBayit

The translation of the Hebrew text is:

Blessing for the home
Let no sadness come through this gate.
Let no trouble come to this dwelling.
Let no fear come through this door.
Let no conflict be in this place.
Let this home be filled with the blessing of joy
and peace.

I was so moved that Mr. Hermit Crab gave this to me, and it hangs where we see it every day, where most people see it when they come to our house and where we spend a lot of time together - in the kitchen! Even if you’re not Jewish, I think this is a tradition that can speak to all people - hopes for peace in the home.

Do you have any special traditions for creating a home together?

Tags: nyc, religious, traditions |

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10 Responses to “Jewish Traditions: Shalom Bayit”

Bee

Mrs. Pug (message) 3,753 posts, Honey bee

those are beautiful sentiments–very touching.

5/27/10 @ 10:50 am (reply)

Member

AnamCara (message) 1,135 posts, Bumble bee

That is wonderful. I love blessings and I love traditions!
DH would like to have a Mass held in our house - it would have been fairly common in Ireland 20 or more years ago but not so much now. We’re not sure if it’s permitted anymore but if not we’d like to have some kind of gathering where the priest who married us (who is also a friend) might do a little blessing and then just have a party after.

5/27/10 @ 11:07 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Stripes (message) 1,063 posts, Bumble bee

LOVE LOVE. Such simple, beautiful affirmations to look at every day!

5/27/10 @ 11:08 am (reply)

Member

HolyVowels (message) 338 posts, Helper bee

It’s beautiful… and Yay for Upstate, NY!

5/27/10 @ 11:28 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Sewing (message) 2,701 posts, Sugar bee

ahh, that’s lovely all we have hanging on our house are anime posters. XD

5/27/10 @ 12:03 pm (reply)

Member

MissHelen (message) 2,440 posts, Buzzing bee

That is beautiful. Just gorgeous!
In our family, it’s tradition when you move into a new home to place a horseshoe, prongs up, above the door. Last week, my parents first home was on the market, so I went to take a look…it was still there!

5/27/10 @ 12:25 pm (reply)

Guest

klw

What an amazing and meaningful gift!
In my family pink flamingos are the preferred housewarming - I’ve moved several times, so I have the traditional yard flamingo, flamingo ornaments, and small flowerpot flamingos.

5/27/10 @ 1:02 pm (reply)

Member

aunt pol (message) 1,473 posts, Bumble bee

@anamcara - any decent priest would be delighted to say a quick mass in the house for you, once you’re flexible on date & time I’d say it shouldn’t be a problem.

5/27/10 @ 2:49 pm (reply)