Pursuing peace in our incredibly polarized and conflicted world can be a tall order. But our mishnah has some guidance for us in this endeavor. It is written there that we must be like Aaron, the high priest, both rodef shalom—pursuers of peace—as well as ohev shalom—lovers of peace. Pursuing peace has to do with our action in the world – we have to go for it, to work for it and make it happen! And ohev shalom, which the rabbis teach actually proceeds rodef shalom—has to do with loving peace.
Thank you, Rebecca. So I have to ask myself, “Do I have the capacity for peace, the capacity for love?” If my answer is no, then I can justifiably continue to blindly strike out at the world. However, if my answer is yes, then I must ask myself why i am filled with fear and anger. Do i want to hate more than i want to love? Maybe i do. i have the capacity for hatred too. If I have the capacity for love, why do I hold back? These are questions I often ask myself. The answers are elusive but I keep asking. Thank you for shining your light.