Rodef Shalom

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.

Rodef Shalom Text: Aaron’s Story

“Seek peace and chase it.” (Psalms 34:15)

Hillel used to say: “Be one of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and chasing peace, be one who loves others and brings them close to Torah.” (Pirkei Avot 1:12)

Whenever Aaron heard that two people were involved in an argument or quarrel he would go to one of them and tell him that he had recently met his friend and heard him say, “The fight was my fault. I am really sorry it happened.” Aaron would then go to the second person and tell him the same made-up story. When the two would meet again they would hug and be friends. This is why the entire nation cried when Aaron died. (Avot de Rabbi

Natan 12:3 on Numbers 20:29)

1. What is the difference between “seeking peace” and “chasing peace”? 2. H ow was Aaron a rodef shalom? 3. What are ways you can be a rodef shalom?