Truth and Peace

Truth is always subjectively colored and varies depending on the source from which we derive it. This is not the case with the Torah—our Torah.

It is God’s revelation to the Jewish people, and it is the Jewish people alone who take it seriously. The ethics of the Torah can be understood universally and are the starting point for a world that bases its lives and decisions on values, not opinions.

Furthermore, truth also depends on access to and engagement with sources of Jewish wisdom, because Judaism is not an ideology or a political program.

Truth also depends on our daily, general state of mind—affective-emotional, cognitive, and social. Our state of mind filters and focuses the information that affects us. Conversely, the information available to us affects our consciousness and perception.

The list of factors that create and influence our truth is therefore long. We must always be aware that there are many truths!

I am reminded of the saying, „Two Jews, three opinions.“ What I mean to say is that truth always emerges through dialogue and with consideration for all involved.

Therefore, when in doubt, I always choose peace. For it is peace that never delays. But first, order is needed so that peace can be established.

The first Kohen haGadol, Ahiaron, coined the phrase:

„Seek peace and pursue it.“

We should all take this more to heart.