We know we've posted this before as our entry in the Blog Blast for Peace,
but it's such a powerful message, we thought it worth repeating.
***
For many years, the U.S. had a governmental affairs office in D.C. headed by a man named Moshe Shearer. This man, a rabbi, had a very interesting insight into the concept of peace. One of the oldest practices in Judaism, he said, involves a prayer that concludes with a phrase known as Oseh Shalom.
Oseh Shalom is probably the most famous prayer for peace in the Hebrew language – and in my opinion one of the most beautiful, especially when you hear its melody. Translated, it goes something like this:
“May he who makes peace in the high places make peace for us…”
Interestingly, tradition requires that you begin by taking three steps back, then as you say the prayer, you bow to the left, to the right and to the front. Rabbi Sherer taught that the reason for this was to remind us that there is only one way to truly achieve peace among people.
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Shalom |
And while pure objectivity may never be achieved, this practice helps you to better understand the viewpoint of your adversary.
Keeping an open mind and striving for objectivity are a critical first step, true, but if we truly want peace we need to be willing to bend.
A little bit of compromise, whether it’s the left, the right or the center, may just be the necessary component to achieving true peace.
May we all learn to step back and be willing to bend.
***
If you've never heard it, click below:
Oseh Shalom Bimromav. Hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu.
V'yal kol Israel, v'imru Amein.
***
a wonderful post and a wonderful thought for this day (and all the rest)
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful message of peace.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful globe!
We are peace blogging cats too!
*Angel Abby*
Stepping back and being willing to bend....we really like that. May be peace be with you today. Have a marvellous Monday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
beautiful post.. Thank you so much for sharing this with us..
ReplyDeleteShalom, dear friends. We, too, are wishing, purring and praying for peace for all beings. Today and every day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and yes, I remember it from before! So beautiful x
ReplyDeleteI do remember this post, and it is so powerful and beautiful, it does bear repeating!
ReplyDeleteP.S. My human had a blast hanging out with you this weekend!
Love it... I try to always do this myself. Great post today!
ReplyDeleteWe remember listening to the melody and we love it today as we loved it then. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent! Thanks for the Prayer for peace! We loved it.
ReplyDeleteKisses
Nellie
A lovely post. I am purring for Peace today and every day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great peace post! Thanks for sharing that with all of us.
ReplyDeleteWe purr for peace...today and everyday.
ReplyDeleteWe also like "step back and be willing to bend"
Purring for PEACE !
Peace, Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger, JJ and Julie
Oh Lisa you had me in TEARS! Exquisite! Showing my husband now
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Love your post, really beautiful. We join you today in blogging for peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you for educating me today. Peace!
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful theme!
ReplyDeletePeace to you too!
What a great post. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtul post...Us cats may argue from time to time, they know that the best way to live happily is to be at peace... Purrin' for Peace right along with you!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post and wonderful message of peace.
ReplyDeletePeace to you and all of our wonderful friends. We heart you so very much.
xo,
Glogirly, Katie & Waffles
That is very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely song!
ReplyDeleteOH I am so glad I got here to see this before it came down! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent message.
ReplyDeletePeace to you and yours on this and every day.
Oh yes, a message worth repeating over and over again! Step back and bend. In other words,leave Ego behind and bend toward love and understanding.
ReplyDeletePeace today and every day! :)
the critters in the cottage xo
I could read this again and again. So worth repeating and a great lesson for all of us. The music is divine and I love this post!!
ReplyDeletePeace to you and yours,
Mimi
#4279 in the Official Peace Globe Gallery @blog4peace.com