Archives

Peace – Shalom

Search just this page Taken from the Encyclopedia Judaica Volume 13:195 – 196 Wholeness and Well-Being in the Bible the verb shalem, in both the perfect Gen. 15:16 and participle forms Gen. 33:18, represents a powerful concept of ‘wholeness, completeness and soundness’ in the qal. “PEACE.” This range of meanings is both profound and inspirational. The iniquity of the Amorites had not yet been completed, symbolizing that faith and righteousnessצְדָקָה‎Transliteration: ṣᵊḏāqâ Pronunciation: tsed-aw-kaw’ For more info click here will prevail over evil. Jacobיַעֲקֹב(/ˈdʒeɪkəb/; Modern: Yaʿaqōv (help·info), Tiberian: Yaʿăqōḇ; Arabic: يَعْقُوب, romanized: Yaʿqūb; Greek: Ἰακώβ, romanized: Iakṓb) the name Yaʿaqōv יעקב is derived from ʿaqev עָקֵב “heel”, as Jacob (later called Israel) was born grasping the heel of his twin brother Esau. for more info click here arrived safely in the city of Shechem, as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. To be “shalem” with someone means to be truly loyal and faithful to them, much like the concept of ‘brotherly love’ in Christianity. Although often interpreted as “peace,” the noun shalom truly represents ‘health and well-being,’ a profound message of strength and inspiration. When someone says “It is well” to you, they are truly wishing you health, prosperity and success. In Isaiah 45:7, the antithesis is not between “peace” and “evil,” but between prosperity (shalom) and adversity (rac) Isaiah 52:7, a powerful message of hope and faith. It is important to note that the true meaning of “shalom” is safety, as it represents the ultimate goal of peace and harmony, a world free of strife and full of faith and trust in the divine. Believe in yourself and all that you can achieve. In Isaiah 52:7, shalom is paralleled with tovטוֹבTransliteration:ṭôḇ Pronunciation:tobe – good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well):—beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, × fair. For more info click here, implying physical and moral goodness. Similarly, in Psalm 34, tovטוֹבTransliteration:ṭôḇ Pronunciation:tobe – good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well):—beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, × fair. For more info click here connotes physical good and moral good in verse 15 with the parallelism of shalom. Ask yourself, do you desire a long and fulfilling life? Then guard your tongue against evil and deceit, and practice good. Seek and pursue integrity and equity for a happy future. Don’t forget that being a person of integrity leads to true happiness and success. Psalm 37:37b reminds us that a bright future awaits those who choose to walk the path of righteousnessצְדָקָה‎Transliteration: ṣᵊḏāqâ Pronunciation: tsed-aw-kaw’ For more info click here. Keep striving, keep pushing, and you will achieve greatness. In Zechariah 8:16, it is essential to highlight the error in the repetition of the word “emetאֱמֶת‎Transliteration: ‘ĕmeṯ – stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness:—assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, faithfulness, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity, reliability. For more info click here.” The intended meaning of speaking truthfully to one another and impartially judging with fairness and equity holds tremendous significance even today. This sentiment is also reflected in verse 19, where “shalom” is used to refer to the love of truthאֱמֶת‎Transliteration: ‘ĕmeṯ – stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness:—assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, faithfulness, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity, reliability. For more info click here and equity in the House of Judah. Queen Esther’s ordinance for the observance of Purim Esther 9:30 is similarly described as an “ordinance of equity and truthאֱמֶת‎Transliteration: ‘ĕmeṯ – stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness:—assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, faithfulness, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity, reliability. For more info click here.” The context of Isaiah 60:17 should be considered before interpreting its meaning, even though Psalm 72:3, 7 also uses the word “shalom.” To ensure a life of peace, we must speak and judge honestly in all circumstances. Cultivating integrity and equity is paramount to creating a successful and prosperous future filled with joy and happiness, much like the celebration of the Fast of the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Tenth Months in the House of Judahיְהוּדָה‎Modern: Yəhūda, Tiberian: Yŭhūḏā), literally “thanksgiving” or “praise,” is the noun form of the root Y-D-H (ידה), “to thank” or “to praise. The fourth of the six sons of Jacob and Leah. Also referring to the tribe of Judah or The Kingdom of Judah later referred to as Judea For more info click here. Let us strive for righteousnessצְדָקָה‎Transliteration: ṣᵊḏāqâ Pronunciation: tsed-aw-kaw’ For more info click here and love of truthאֱמֶת‎Transliteration: ‘ĕmeṯ – stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness:—assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, faithfulness, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity, reliability. For more info click here and equity, so we can receive the blessings of a happy future, which is everyone’s dream! Peace and its counterparts are more than mere abstract concepts; they hold intricate and profound meanings that permeate language, culture, and all aspects of human existence. The Hebrew word “shalom” not only denotes peace and serenity but also connotes divine favor, benevolence, clemency, and even companionship. It is a timeless reminder of the noble qualities that we must consistently aspire to embody and express in ourselves, as well as foster in our interactions with others. Through continuous cultivation of these virtues, we can contribute to a world that is saturated in compassion, empathy, and amity, where we hold hands and build bridges of understanding and unity across even the greatest of divides. For peace is not merely the cessation of conflict, but the presence of harmony, justice, and respect, in which all individuals and communities can thrive and fulfill their potential in a spirit of mutual

Daniel Chapter 6

Daniel is made ruler of the presidents
A conspiracy
Daniel thrown into the lions’ den
Daniel ‘s deliverance

Daniel Chapter 5

Impious feast of Belshazzar
Handwriting on the wall
Daniel’s interpretation
Belshazzar is killed and Medes

Daniel Chapter 4

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God’s dominion
Nebuchadnezzar relates a dream
Daniel’s tells the meaning of the dream
The dream fulfilled

The Harvest Festival – Sukkoth

“On the fifteenth day of this seventh month (five days after Yom Kippur) the festival of Sukkot {shall be celebrated) seven days unto the Lord. ”
(Leviticus 23:34-36)

2nd Maccabees Chapter 15

Nicanor’s blasphemies
Judas lectures his men. His dream
The disposition of the combatants
The defeat and death of Nicanor
Compiler’s epilogue

2nd Maccabees Chapter 14

VII: The Conflict with Nicanor, General of Demetrius I, The Day of Nicanor
Alcimus the high priest intervenes
Nicanor makes friends with Judas
Alcimus rekindles hostilities, and Nicanor threatens the temple
The Death of Razis

2nd Maccabees Chapter 13

The campaign of Antiochus V and Lysias, Horrible death of Menelaus
The prayers and success of the Jews Near Modein
Antiochus V negotiates with the Jews

2nd Maccabees Chapter 12

Incidents at Joppa and Jamnia
The Expedition in Gilead
The battle of Carnaim
The return by the way of Ephron and Scythopolis
The Campaign against Gorgias
The sacrifice for the fallen

2nd Maccabees Chapter 11

The first campaign of Lysias
Lysias makes peace with the Jews. Four letters concerning the treaty

2nd Maccabees Chapter 10

The Purification of the Temple
VI The Struggle of Judas against the Neighboring people and against Lysias, Minister of Antiochus V
Reign of Antiochus V: early years
Gorgias and the Idumaean fortress
Judas defeats Timotheus and captures Gezer

2nd Maccabees Chapter 8

V: The Victory of Judaism
The death of the persecutor and the purification of the Temple
Judas Maccabeus and the resistance
Campaign of Nicanor and Gorgias
The defeat of Timotheus and Bacchides
The flight and testimony of Nicanor

2nd Maccabees Chapter 5

Second Egyptian campaign
Jason’s insurrection; counteraction by Antiochus Epiphanes
Pillage of the Temple
Activities of Apollonius the Mysarch

2nd Maccabees Chapter 4

IV: Hellenistic Propaganda and persecution under Antiochus Ephiphanes
Misdeeds of Simon, Administrator of the Temple
Jason the high priest, Introduces Hellenism
Antiochus Epiphanes is praised in Jerusalem
Menelaus becomes high priest
The murder of Onias
Lysimachus killed in an insurrection
Menelaus buys his acquittal

2nd Maccabees Chapter 3

III the Story of Helodorus
The arrival of Helodorus
Unease In Jerusalem
The Punishment of Helodorus
The conversion of Helodorus

2nd Maccabees Chapter 2

eremiah Conceals the tent, ark and altar
Nehemiah’s library
An invitation to the dedication
II: Compilers Preface

2nd Maccabees Chapter 1

Letters to the Jews of Egypt
First letter
Second letter
Address
Thanksgiving for the Punishment of Antiochus
The miraculous preservation of the sacred fire

1st Maccabees Chapter 16

The Victory of Simon’s Sons over Cendebareus
Simon’s tragic Death at Dok. Simon’s son John succeeds him

1st Maccabees Chapter 15

Letter of Antiochus VII and siege of Dora
The Ambassadors return from Rome to Judea
The league with Rome
Antiochus VII besieging Dora, become hostile to Simon and sends him a reprimand
Cendebaues, governor of the coastal region, harasses Judea

1st Maccabees Chapter 14

Eulogy of Simon
Renewal of the league with Sparta and with Rome
Official Honors decreed for Simon