Elul 19/September 1

Rabbi Michael Churgel 

In our complicated world, it is often difficult to find or recognize peace: between nations, groups of people, individuals, or even inner peace. But peace does exist, and it is certainly achievable as long as we are willing to put in the work to make it happen. 

Members of my congregation recently read The Future is Peace. This fascinating discourse jointly authored by a Palestinian Arab and an Israeli Jew, who both experienced tragedy, loss, and heartbreak in their earlier years, and had every right to hate one another, came together in their desire to make peace and build bridges. Through sharing their personal stories with one another, they were able to forgive sins of the past and gain a better understanding for the other’s actions and that of their respective peoples.

One paragraph that illustrates this lesson was shared by Aziz in his blossoming friendship with a former Israeli soldier:

The walls and the barriers that divide us foment mistrust. They don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from one another. With contact comes understanding, familiarity, and the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of the “other.” I have seen it. I have lived it. That is how I know in my heart that we are not doomed to live this life of polarization.

May each one of us discover new paths towards opening our hearts, finding a way to communicate with the “other,” and building bridges towards peace in our world.