PEACE IN JUDAISM

PEACE IN DIFFERENT RELIGIONS ~ 109 ~ In the context of peace, this teaching is very basic. Obviously, we shall not find anyone in this world who would like to be the victim of violence. Violence is abhorrent to everyone. This being the reality, it is essential that man should also abhor the perpetration of violence on others. In no circumstances, should he indulge in violent activities against others. Undoubtedly this injunction is general in its application. It is addressed not only to individuals but also to the community as a whole. Just as a standard is set for individual behaviour, similarly a standard is set for social behaviour. Referring to this verse of the Torah, one Jewish scholar has rightly observed: “That is the whole of the Torah, the rest is but commentary.” In the Torah, Isaiah, an Israelite prophet, describes the world of justice. In this most desirable world, “people shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword