Isn't it wild to think about peace even in the middle of war? We often think of them as opposites, but Jewish tradition sees a deep connection, a need for peace that permeates everything, even conflict. This idea comes up in Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal interpretations on the book of Deuteronomy.
The text discusses the laws of warfare, specifically what to do when approaching a city for battle. It says, "to do battle with it": and not to reduce it by hunger, thirst, or plague." Okay, that makes sense. Even in war, there are limits to the suffering we inflict.
But then it gets even more interesting: "then you shall call out to it for peace."
Wait, what? Offer peace before attacking? It seems counterintuitive, but it highlights a profound value. The Sages saw this as a testament to the importance of peace itself. The Sifrei Devarim goes on to say: "Great is peace, for even in war peace is needed." It's a stunning statement. Even amidst the chaos and violence, the ultimate goal, the underlying desire, should always be peace.
And it doesn’t stop there. "Great is peace, for even the dead need peace." Even those who have passed on, those beyond the struggles of this world, still require peace. It speaks to a sense of completion, of harmony that transcends even death.
The text escalates: "Great is peace, for even the dwellers on high need peace, as it is written (Iyyov 25:1) "He makes peace among His exalted ones." Whoa. This verse from Job suggests that even in the heavenly realms, among the angels or spiritual beings, there is a need for balance and reconciliation. God Himself is described as making peace! The implications are enormous. If peace is so vital that even the Divine seeks it, how much more so should we?
The Sifrei Devarim continues, "Great is peace, for the priestly blessing ends with "peace." The Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing, that beautiful and ancient benediction, culminates in the word shalom – peace. (Numbers 6:26). It's the final, resounding note, the ultimate blessing we can bestow upon one another.
And finally, we’re reminded that "even Moses was a lover of peace, as it is written (Devarim 2:26) "And I sent messengers from the desert of Kedemoth … with words of peace." Moses, the great lawgiver, the one who stood face-to-face with God, was also a messenger of peace. He sought peaceful resolutions even when dealing with potentially hostile nations.
So what does this all mean for us?
It’s a powerful reminder that peace isn’t just the absence of conflict. It’s a fundamental value that permeates all aspects of existence. It’s something to strive for in our relationships, in our communities, and even in the face of adversity. Maybe, just maybe, by seeking peace in all things, we can bring a little bit of that heavenly harmony down to earth.