SHABBAT SHALOM -- VAYISHLACH -- PEACE ON EARTH Our tradition teaches that the way to make peace, the way to bring shalom into the world, is to acknowledge and realize the inherent rightness in all sides of any dispute. Our texts beseech us to love peace and pursue peace -- this is the double portion of peace that is meted out to all competing voices, clamoring for satisfaction and vindication. So what is right and wrong? Certainly right and wrong are not absolute values -- how are we encouraged to see our own failings, even in the passion of believing that we are correct and have the advantage, morally, authoritatively, and in principle? How are we encouraged to step out from our strongly held beliefs and seek a pathway that is not filled with endless conflict and that pits one as victor over one as perennial loser? How can our power be a strong power that is not always forcibly enacted? Casting blame on another is counterproductive and brings resentment. To accuse another in order to assert the primacy of our position is a scorched earth policy and leads to dehumanization. Rather, to ride a bumpy road filled with stops and starts -- to accept the essential humanity of another, even if they are radicalized to our disfavor, is a way towards peace. However temporary was the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau, we strive towards those moments -- when we interrupt our bitterness and acrimony, and allow our hurts to heal with a gently outstretched hand that offers a double portion of peace -- one for me, and one for you. As part of our preparation for Shabbat, do listen to Yonatan Razels song, Katonti -- https://youtube/watch?v=HZYivKwVmJc. This summer in Israel, a verse of this song was most extraordinarily quoted by Racheli Fraenkel, the mother of one of the kidnapped/murdered boys, Naftali (HYD), at one of the shiva minyanim for her son: I am unworthy of all the kindness that You have so steadfastly shown me, Your servant -- a line uttered by Jacob, from this weeks Torah portion. Shabbat Shalom.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:04:08 +0000
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