Imagine if the Almighty, rather than the Norwegian Nobel Committee, picked Nobel Peace Prize winners .  Once in history, something similar did in fact occur.   In Bamidbar (25:12), Hashem bestows Pinchas with the  "Brit Shalom" - the "Covenant of Peace."  

 According to our tradition the word "Shalom" in this instance is literally broken (with the letter "vav" severed in two).  It's not only ironic that the word "peace" is fractured but its also legally problematic.   In all other instances, a single broken letter disqualifies an entire Torah scroll.  Why, then, was it so important for this precedent to be overruled in this instance?

Pinchas was a controversial recipient.  Although he restores peace to his nation, in order to do so, he must resort to deadly force by killing a corrupt Jewish prince & Midianite princess. To most, his actions were unsettling to many they were simply blasphemous.

The Torah is teaching a pivotal lesson - winning the peace is tough.  While p eace may be  fueled  by hope &  optimism  it is ultimately won through moral clarity and s trength.  The process is rarely utopian and more often than not leaves a trail of broken pieces.

Pinchas had moral courage and the ability to rise to the moment but his violent act was widely repudiated.  So much so that Hashem needed to intercede and bestow the Covenant of Peace to reveal to all that, at times, peace must be won.  The letter "vav" is a connector that binds words and ideas together.  Yet, in the instance of Pinchas, this letter is broken.  Despite the tragic quality of his act, he is heralded as a man of peace.  

During these tumultuous times, as we watch our guardians being slayed on the holiest of ground, may we merit the strength and fortitude to bring forth the ultimate peace.   "May the Lord give strength to His people; May the Lord will bless his people with peace" (Psalm 29).