We carry the peace

I recently heard someone say: “ We do not need to search for peace, we carry the peace”.

This made me reflect, a lot. Especially today in our current Global climate which is so full of aggression, violence, hatred, corruption, and  deranged accusations, there is anything but peace.

So it made me realize that we, especially as Jews are given the responsibility to light the way for Peace – a true Shalom.

Sounds great, sounds like an ideal, but how?

Peace starts from within. The Torah lays it out for us; abide the Torah, be loving and kind, be g-d fearing, and be contributing humans and Jews.

Why is peace so important?

Peace prevents violence and builds a safe foundation for society to thrive.

Peace is harmony, something that is truly lacking in the world today.

When there is truly peace then integrity is maintained and we have much lower levels of corruption.

Why do we need peace?

Peace helps to stop suffering, it protects human life, it provides stability, it prevents violence and displacement and heals communities and strengthens relationships. Peace is essential in life.

Types of peace : Internal peace, interpersonal peace, social peace, global peace.

Shalom , a complete Shalom is the most important and we carry it within. Is Shalom important? Without it nothing else matters. Shalom has the greatest value.

In the Torah, Shalom is not only viewed as an absence of war, but as a state of wholeness and harmony.

Soon we have the elections in Israel. Can we achieve this in a harmonious and peaceful manner, can we look at the bigger picture?

The entire purpose of the divine commandment is to foster harmony.

” Her ways are pleasant , and all her paths are peace”

“ Darcheha  darchei Noam, v’chol netivoteha  shalom” – mishli

The great commentator Rashi emphasizes that peace is equivalent to all other blessings combined.

Shalom means : wholeness, spiritual peace- peace with g-d, peace within, and relational peace- peace with others

So when I heard that we carry the peace, I knew that in addition to carrying within ourselves we have a responsibility as  Jews to promote peace to others.

And I know how hard we try to do what the Torah says.. to offer peace first,  but then we must protect ourselves.

My greatest wish for our great nation and for the entire world is to merit a lasting peace, within and without, b’karov, soon.. now.

Shanah Tovah, A blessed New year, Shalom upon Israel and the entire Olam.. the entire world.

Amein