The Advantage of Peace \ Pirkei Avot 1
“Love your friend as you love yourself” (Vayikra 19:18)
When people journey across the desert, it is advantageous for them to travel in a caravan. A group of people going together serves to protect them from robbers and thieves.
It is safer to travel in groups, so too, when it comes to our “spiritual travels,” it is beneficial to go in “groups.” In light of this, the Torah teaches us, “Love your friend as you love yourself.” The harmony of friendship protects us from both our physical and spiritual enemies.
Our Sages teach that when Klal Yisrael are at peace with each other, the "spiritual impediment” has no power to stir up adversity amongst them. The Shechinah — the Divine Presence — does not depart from their midsts, even if they “worship idols!”
In the days of Achav, Klal Yisrael was engaged in idol-worship. Nevertheless, since they were at peace with each other, they would triumph in every battle. Whereas, if they were in discord with each other, they would suffer defeat, even if they were as righteous as the generation of King David.
Our Sages tell us (Avot 1:18), “Hillel said, ‘Be from amongst the students of Aaron; love peace, and pursue peace, love the creations, and draw them close to Torah.’”
Aaron’s particular virtue was that whenever he heard of people who were in disharmony, he would stop his Torah learning and run to make peace between quarreling parties. For instance, neighbors who were caught in an argument, friends who had a dispute, and husband and wife who were at odds with each other.
Let us conduct ourselves with peace and harmony, and fulfill the great precept of the Torah, “Love your friend as you love yourself.” Then HaShem will bless us and grant us lives filled with Shalom, protection, and peace.
(Based on Chochmah U’Mussar of the Saba M’Kelm and Sefer Haredim of Rabbi Elazar Azcari)
