CBI Blogs

September 17, 2024/14 Elul 5784
Rabbi Simone Schicker

Every morning we recite a blessing for Torah Study. Which then requires us to fulfill the recitation of a blessing with its associated action. Many of us choose to read the words of Eilu D’varim (Mishnah Peah 1:1). While each piece of the passage is powerful, my eyes are often drawn towards the end when we recite vahava’at shalom bein adam lachaveiro - and making peace among people.

The making of peace, the healing of rifts, between people is difficult work. Each and every day we can find ourselves in a struggle with others - at home, at work, at school or at the store. Someone cuts us off in traffic, someone forgets a birthday or anniversary, someone causes us or a loved one pain. Each day is an opportunity to recognize that we can create rifts or we can build bridges. When we choose to do the important work of peace making we are reflecting the good in each of us, the holiness which we are blessed with. As Hillel taught, “Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving other human beings and bringing them near to the Torah.” (Pirkei Avot 1:12)

As we journey through the month of Elul, making amends with ourselves and those around us, may we continue to choose peace over strife in each of our interactions with others.