R def Shalom Value: Rodef Shalom A rodef shalom is someone who chases after peace. In the book of Psalms (34:15) it says: “Seek peace and chase it.” This verse is explained in the midrash. “Rabbi Yohanan explained the text teaches that to have peace one should be like a captain on a boat. ‘A person should always be on the lookout for an opportunity and then pursue a course towards peace.’” (Leviticus Rabbah. 21:5) The Jewish tradition teaches that peacemaking is a way of life. It has to do with the way we treat other people every day. Here is one description of a person who is a rodef shalom. “A peace-loving person is by no means a weakling or a coward. He is prepared to speak out against injustice, indeed, to become angry when encountering evil in others. But even in his anger, he looks upon his opponent as a potential friend who will eventually change his ways and appreciate the effort that is being made to help him.” (Simon Glustrom, The Language of Judaism)
Judaism believes that a person should be a rodef shalom, someone who does more than avoid fighting — someone who actively pursues peace.
23
