“I don’t have to leave my faith behind to embrace the Walk for Peace”
By Ruth Ellen
Recently, someone asked me a question that I found difficult to answer: ‘What impact has the Walk for Peace had in your life?’
I didn’t know where to begin. So, I looked back to December 2025, when I first came across Walk for Peace on Facebook. I never imagined that something I had ‘accidentally’ seen on Facebook would change my perception of the world so profoundly. But then again, there are no ‘accidents,’ are there?
I began following the walk every day. I can’t really explain why I was so drawn to it at that time. I’m Jewish. I knew nothing about Buddhism. But there was something about the walk that spoke to me.
When the walk ended on February 14, I knew I had to go to the temple and be there. That day, when the thunder started and the rain came pouring down, Bhante Paññākara stepped out into the rain to stand with all of us. It was then that I began to understand what I had been drawn to. I was drawn to the humility of a leader who never set himself apart. I was drawn to the compassion shown to everyone along the roadways they traveled. And I was drawn to the kindness that complete strangers showed one another that day, standing in the rain, sharing umbrellas and rain jackets.
Since that day, I have continued to volunteer at the temple. I have been blessed to get to know Bhante and Nun Nanika. There is something about simply being in their presence that makes me look at my own life differently.
I am still Jewish, and they are still Buddhist, but I have learned that we are not so different. I don’t have to leave my faith behind to embrace what I’m learning.
I have learned that peace IS within me. I have learned to choose my words carefully. I have learned that every day is a blessing and should never be taken for granted. And, most importantly, I have learned that even the smallest act of kindness matters.
The Walk for Peace came into my life for a reason unknown to me, but I know that I’m a bit different because of it. I am grateful that I happened to see that Facebook post about monks walking for peace. Little did I know that peace was walking my way!
