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The phrase "olov hashalom" is often appended to names of the deceased. I don't know very much about it's history or any deeper implications, but at face value it just means "peace be upon him."

I once heard someone say "olov hashalom" about a living person, and then vociferously correct themselves with all kinds of blessings for the person to have a long life. Is there any reason, other than the implication based on its common usage, not to say this about a living person?

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  • So frustrating- Rabbi Yisroel Reisman in his book on navi, in the back section, asks this very question. if anyone can find it please cite it! – user5535 Sep 14 '14 at 14:46
  • hakirah.org/Vol%203%20Broyde.pdf – Double AA♦ Jul 7 '16 at 22:41
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In Brachos 64a we find 'when leaving a friend don't say leich bishalom (go in peace) but rather leich lishalom (go for peace) etc, when leaving a dead person don't say leich lishalom, but rather leich bishalom etc'.

Being in a state of shalom is reserved for the dead. Hashalom, THE peace, is the epitome of this state of being.

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  • This is (also?) at the very end of Moed Katan. – sds Sep 12 '14 at 20:11

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