Shalom and Hesed

As we move into the second chapter of A Faith for the Future, we take on the big concepts of creation, humanity, and sin.  Might be a long chapter!

While reaffirming what we have covered in terms of creation and covenant, we are introduced to two very important Hebrew concepts: shalom and hesed.  You have likely heard the term shalom, but perhaps not hesed.

I was first introduced to the importance of shalom at a Methodist camp when I was a teenager. We spent a week talking about what God's shalom looks like and how it might change our lives. It is much deeper than a distant "peace be with you." It is a recognition and commitment of wholeness that comes about when our relationship with God and creation are restored (or made right). As we read, "if you imagine a web of relationships running between all people and between all people and God, shalom describes this state of affairs when that web is unbroken."

It doesn't take much to look around our world and see a web of many, many broken relationships. And perhaps where an understanding of hesed can help or challenge us to restoration and healing.  Hesed is loyalty and love of God, a way of living in an unwavering way rooted deeply in a passionate trust of the commitment that God has made to us and hopefully that we have made to God.

Bringing these concepts closer to home, I recall hearing our Bishop talk at convention about having the word shalom inscribed into the crosier (shepherd's staff) that he carries. Bishop Kendrick shared that the concept of shalom is so important to his role as Bishop that he wanted it engraved on the crosier, the chief symbol of his office. He also shared why he regularly has a child carry that crosier: to remind us that power does not lie with a person or in a title but in a community committed to God's shalom and hesed in each and every person.

Some of my richest times in experiencing shalom and hesed came when my son attended Gan Shalom preschool at Ahavas Chesed synagogue. Yes, a Christian boy in a Jewish preschool. It was the best beginning for Gabe's learning life that I could imagine. There he learned in a powerful way the blessedness of community, where children are lifted up and celebrated and where youth are looked to for leadership and regular involvement in services. At age three Gabe knew enough of the peace, loyalty, and lovingkindness to say of Rabbi Silberman, "I really like him: he tells good stories and has good bread."

Do we carry that impulse of shalom and hesed, peace, loyalty, and lovingkindness deep within us? Is it the first impulse of our nature? Can we do that across denominational, religious, and political lines? 

Our world would be a better place if we devoted ourselves to shalom and hesed even when we don't feel like it, even when our own selfish impulses give rise to fear, insecurity and anxiety. In true Hebraic understanding of salvation: what good is my salvation if you do not share it? How can I long for eternity and peace without including you, my neighbor?  

We are constricted by stories of scarcity. 

Break through these false tales with the surprising truth

of abundance. May we bask in your shalom and then perform

your story of generosity over and over again. Amen.