Shalom Means Peace

Most people know that the Hebrew word shalom is understood around the world to mean "peace." However, "peace" is only one small part of the meaning. "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye".... In my new home of Israel it is used in most conversations by virtually all citizens and visitors alike. It symbolizes the greatest dream of the Jewish people and our homeland.

In Judaism, Shalom (peace), is one of the underlying principle of the Torah or the first five books of the Jewish Bible. "Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are shalom (peace)".The Talmud explains, "The entire Torah is for the sake of the ways of shalom"

Hebrew words go beyond their spoken pronunciation. Each Hebrew word conveys feeling, intent and emotion. Shalom is more then just simply peace; it is a complete peace.

It is a feeling of contentment,completeness,wholeness, well being and harmony.

We all are anxious people…in fact, we live in an anxious world. There is no question that uncertainty seems to have increased dramatically in the last decades. We worry about terrorism. We worry about war. We worry about losing our jobs. We worry about the dangers confronting our children. The sense of anxiety of course is very prevalent in Israel. This small and brave nation has fought daily to exist since its rebirth in 1948. More than twenty thousand Israelis have died in open conflicts or by acts of terrorism since the rebirth of the Jewish state in 1948. The Holocaust is almost always in the minds and hearts of Israeli Jews. We must never forget the murders of millions whose only sin was being born Jewish or having Jewish ancestors.

I have now reached the tender age of sixty four years old. My blessings have been many and my sufferings have been measurable.

How many of us can make claims that are significantly different. However, I seem to be making progress toward the greatest goal, that of peace. Much of this new knowledge has come about as the result of my immigration to this incredible nation at the age of fifty nine. I have faced five years of great challenges, Learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and leaving friends and family are just a few examples of these challenges. There have been wonderful rewards as well. The greatest reward has been my progress toward Shalom,

I have learned that I have little control over the world but that many obstacles can be overcome with effort, patience, and faith. "Whatever happens in my life, I'll handle it! Faith in ourselves and the universal creator is our greatest strength.

Yes, you can learn and find strength from anything that happens to you, as my Israeli heroes have done. I have learned from my Israeli friends and neighbors that, no matter how horrible life may seem on the outside, it is so important to focus on the beauty. The survivors of history's greatest injustices have turned what was dessert and swamp into this beautiful and modern nation.

The most important lesson that I am now learning is what it is to be a Jew. In my opinion it can be stated very simply, believe, learn, give, and get involved. The greatest mistake that I have made in my life was to wait until the age of sixty three to study the holy teachings of my faith, Judaism in earnest. I am blessed to live in Haifa, Israel. The concept of one G-d has its roots in the land of Canaan. The three major monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam trace their roots back to this wonderful nation. Haifa, "The City of Peaceful Co-existence" is a wonderful place to study Judaism and the faiths of others. I study the Talmud at a Kollel, the Kabalah at a Masorti synagogue, and the Old Testament at a Reform Jewish Movement synagogue.

I have come to appreciate the fact that Judaism is based on a life of knowledge. To learn and understand are my goals as I learn about my faith. To understand and respect the faith of others is a basic teaching of Judaism. My passion in Haifa is involvement in interfaith studies and activities.

As I learn to make these values a part of daily life, problems seem less threatening and each day becomes an adventure and source of joy,

Comments: 6

David Prosser Jul 7, 2012, 4:42pm UTC

It takes great courage to make such a move so late in life leaving ones family behind. You seem to be adjusting wee and making friends which is the most important thing in a new place.Well done on taking this bold step and integrating so well. When the day of Shalom comes, I hope you will be there to meet it as well as you've met this challenge.