[Mesorah] Shalom aleikhem

[Elazar M. Teitz]

    In answer to the question of why we say "Sholom aleichem" in the 
plural, RSZBerger resonded that "Plural address is common as a marker 
of respect, in Loshn-Koydesh as in a number of European languages 
today."

     Third-person address is, I believe, the marker of respect in 
Tanach and the g'mara (Yavo hamlech, Mar hu d'amar). Where do we find 
the plural used in this manner?  

     I have heard the use of the plural, primarily in Yeshivishe 
circles in Israel, but it is obvious that it is translation from 
the "Ihr" of Yiddish.  I doubt that there is a single instance of its 
use at the time Shalom aleichem became a greeting.
     
     (English, of course, is the most respectful of all languages: 
second person singular has been eliminated completely, leaving only 
the plural "you.")

EMT