The greatest political controversy in Israel today is what price to pay for peace with those enemies who wish to destroy us.

Without entering into the practical aspects of this issue, it is worth reflecting on what the Torah says about peace in this weeks Torah portion.

After promising plentiful rain, bountiful harvests and a booming economy if Jews study the Torah and perform the mitzvot, G-d adds that "I will grant peace in the Land." (Vayikra 26:6)

One can have food and drink, explain our Sages, but they have no value if there is no peace.

"This teaches us," they conclude, "that peace is equal in value to everything else."

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