Love of Israel 

אהבת ישראל

It is a great mitzva to bring peace to the world, to reconcile enemies to each other, and to avoid dispute and vengeance.  

We learned [in Mishna Avot 1:18] that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: The world stands on three things: on judgment, on truth, and on peace.

Rabbi Mona says: The three of them are one matter; if judgment is achieved, truth is achieved and peace is achieved.<footnote data-num="1"/> All three of them are mentioned in the same verse, as it is stated: “Administer truth, justice, and peace in your gates” (Zechariah 8:16). Wherever there is justice there is peace, and wherever there is peace there is justice.

Who is the mightiest of the mighty?… Some say: One who turns his enemy into his friend. 

It is written: “You shall not take vengeance, you shall not bear any grudge against members of your people” (Leviticus 19:18). To what can this be compared? It can be compared to one who was cutting meat, and the knife struck his hand. Would he retaliate by striking his other hand?<footnote data-num="2"/> <source>(Derekh Eretz Zuta, Perek Shalom; Avot deRabbi Natan, version A, chap. 23; Jerusalem Talmud, Nedarim 9:4) </source>