Conflict destroys peace. On a national level, or a personal one.
Whether two countries are in conflict or two roommates, there is no peace. Hostility, aggression and strife can lead to violence and open warfare.
But does an absence of conflict mean that there is peace?
The modern State of Israel has fought eight wars in as many decades of existence. After each one when a ceasefire agreement is reached — no more rockets, suicide bombers, or hand grenades — the conflict of the moment may be over, but the relationship of Israel with its enemies is still not one of shalom.
The Hebrew word for conflict is machloket, or broken into parts. When two sides are in conflict, they stand apart from one another, each one defending their own rights and asserting their own demands.
The opposite of “broken into parts” is to be whole.
Shalom comes from the Hebrew word shalem, which means “complete.” And that’s the true definition of shalom.
Shalom is far more than just a lack of conflict. Shalom is the unity of all the parts of a group, joined together as one, creating something far greater than each one could achieve alone.
Think about it like this. A typical orchestra consists of about 100 musicians. With violins, oboes, clarinets, and kettle drums, each instrument alone may sound wonderful, but only together can they create the magnificent beauty of a symphony.
That’s the sound of shalom — all the parts working together as one.
Shalom is a central theme of Shabbat. In a complex world of billions of different people and unique creatures, one day per week is devoted to remembering that we are all creations, each with our own purpose and the potential to work together toward universal harmony.
Shalom is also the last thing we pray for at the end of many of our prayers. It’s the greatest blessing to receive and the greatest thing to accomplish. It’s the synergy and collaboration of all our talents and energies united in the ultimate fulfillment of the Divine plan.
Now, let’s figure out how to do it.
Try this today: As you walk down the street, feel yourself as an active contributor to the whole of humanity. What part are you adding or could you add?