Can There Ever Be Peace?

Can There Ever Be Peace?

I am often asked if I think we can ever have peace,

I respond to his question with the story of our forefather Jacob, who suffered twenty years of abuse and deception from his father-in-law Laban.

Jacob’s attempts to make peace were rebuffed by Laban, as it says in Genesis 31:2, “Jacob noticed Laban’s facial expression and saw that he no longer felt toward him as he had previously.”

Later, in this week’s Torah portion, Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3), Jacob takes his family and flees from Laban. Then Laban “took men with him and chased after Jacob” (Genesis 31:23) to wage war with him. Laban only relents from his attack after being warned by God not to harm Jacob.

There is a lesson in this story that is applicable today. Despite repeated attempts to make peace, our enemies choose to pursue war. King David expressed it this way, “I come in peace, but when I speak, they come to wage war” (Psalms 120:7).

The Jewish nation must constantly pursue peace but defend itself when needed. This is our reality until the day comes as Isaiah 55:12 declares, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.”

May we soon see the fulfillment of these prophetic words, and peace will prevail over all mankind and the entire world.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz

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