Rodfei Shalom, Metavkhei Shalom, Pashranim, and Nikhbadim

Abstract

This chapter examines historical accounts and stories of non-rabbinic Jewish lay leaders who served as third-party peacemakers within their communities as found in medieval and early modern rabbinic literature. As opposed to the rabbis of whom the identities of almost all were known, lay leaders who served as third-party peacemakers are almost entirely anonymous. They were, however, often referred to with quasi-titles to signify their role as third-party peacemakers. The chapter is therefore divided into four primary sections based on these various titles used to refer to lay peacemakers. The chapter also includes a discussion on the imperative in Jewish law and tradition of lay people to serve as third-party peacemakers or mediators.