Judaism & Peace (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

The nature of peace in Judaism

• In Judaism, peace (shalom) is a core value and a central theme in religious teachings

• The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means more than just the absence of conflict

  • It means completeness, wholeness, and harmony

• Jews see peace as a state of well-being and balance for all humans

  • This reflects God's ideal for humanity and creation

• God is seen as the source of peace

  • One of God's names in Jewish tradition is ‘Shalom’ (Judges 6:24)

  • God is believed to desire peace for all people and the world

The importance of peace in Judaism

• In Judaism pursuing peace is a commandment or mitzvah: 

  • The Torah commands, ‘Seek peace and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14)

    • This teaches Jews to actively work towards peace in all aspects of life

• Peace is an important foundation of Jewish teachings

  • The rabbis teach, ‘The entire Torah is for the sake of peace’ (Talmud Gittin 59b)

  • Jewish laws and teachings aim to create a peaceful, just society

• Peace within relationships is encouraged within Judaism

  • Judaism values peace within families and communities, encouraging reconciliation and resolving disputes

    • An example of this is Shalom Bayit (peace in the home) which is considered essential for a harmonious family life

• Judaism teaches the Messianic Vision which teaches that there will be a time in the future where universal peace exists

  • The Messianic Age is described as a time of universal peace, where nations ‘will beat their swords into plowshares’ (Isaiah 2:4)

Jewish teachings about peace

• There are many teachings related to peace in Judaism

  • Peace is mentioned in the Tenakh, although it also praises the brave warrior who fights in a holy or a Just War

• Jewish scripture talks about nations coming together in harmony

‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore’ (Isaiah 2:4)

• The book of Ecclesiastes gives a clear message on the subject of war and peace

‘A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace’ (Ecclesiastes 3:8)

• This passage suggests that it seems that war is still sometimes inevitable

  • This may be particularly the case if a group or a nation needs to take action to defend itself or if it is about to be attacked

• The Ten Commandments set out in the Hebrew Bible, are believed to have been given to Moses by God with the purpose of creating peace and harmony among humankind

  • One of the Commandments is: ‘Do not kill’ (Exodus 20:13)

  • If this commandment was obeyed, war would be very difficult

• There are many other Jewish teachings relating to peace

  • Jews pray for global peace in the Amidah prayer, ‘Grant peace, goodness, and blessing’ 

  • The Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim) says, ‘May God bless you and guard you... May God grant you peace’ (Numbers 6:24-26) 

  • Hillel the Elder, an important Jewish religious leader said, ‘Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace’ (Pirkei Avot 1:12).

  • Aaron, the brother of Moses, is remembered for his efforts to reconcile people and promote harmony

  • Working towards peace is part of the Jewish duty to repair and perfect the world (Tikkun Olam)

• For Jews, peace is not just an ideal but a commandment from God and a practical goal

  • It involves seeking harmony, resolving conflict, and striving for a just and peaceful world

  • Whether in relationships, communities, or globally, peace reflects God's will and is central to Jewish life and practice