In this week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, we catch a glimpse of the society the Israelites envisioned building upon reaching the Promised Land. It’s a picture of a harmonious community where everyone is cared for, celebrations abound, and prosperity is shared. The Torah even promises that there will be no poverty among them. 

However, merely entering the land wasn’t enough. True peace and prosperity would only be achieved through security and the elimination of conflict, both internal and external. Until then, the full promise of their society remained out of reach. 

Today, we understand that violence alone cannot end conflict. Persistent internal strife, such as civil wars, can devastate nations, trapping them in cycles of poverty and instability.  Economist Paul Collier has emphasised how these conflicts hinder development in the world’s poorest countries. 

The Torah’s advice remains timeless: to build a stable and flourishing society, we must open our hearts and hands to those in need. By addressing poverty and inequality, we not only help those who are struggling but also lay the groundwork for a peaceful and thriving community. When we act with generosity and compassion, we sow the seeds of both prosperity and peace. 

Shabbat Shalom.

(Source: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/seeds-of-peace/)