The Talmud tells us that “All that is written in the Torah was written for the sake of peace.” (Tanhuma Shoftim 18).

Shalom (peace), is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of well-being, tranquility, and even prosperity. In our own search for peace, we must not be content to aim for neutrality. Instead we ought to seek to creatively cultivate wellbeing. This is so very difficult to remember when we or our loved ones are in pain. All we want is for the pain to stop. But incredibly, though we suffer, nothing can stop us from inviting Shalom, even if only in small ways, into our lives and the lives of those around us.

“Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,’ says ADONAI, ‘and I will heal him.”

Isaiah 57:19

This is especially important because individual peace cannot be won in isolation. Our own peace is bound up with the peace of our families, our communities, and indeed, the world. In Genesis, Abraham is told that all nations would be blessed through him. He is blessed not only to enjoy the blessing himself, but in order that all nations would be blessed, as every nation sees and benefits from the laws and blessings of Abraham’s God.

Parker Palmer, in his book on vocations, remembers a time of debilitating depression in his life. In his weak state, he could barely bring himself up to the most basic tasks of self-care. A friend who loved him would come to sit with him, and Parker writes that at times his friend would just hold his feet, offering him a touch of love to ease his pain. We cannot underestimate the power we have to bring Shalom, or well-being, to one another. And as we bring peace to others, God heals our own hearts.

“Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,’ says ADONAI, ‘and I will heal him.”