An essential principle of controversy for the sake of Heaven is the recognition that no single person has the monopoly on truth. We declare that all that is about to happen, or that has happened, is for the sake of her honor. In Pirkei Avot 5:17 we read that such a disagreement will not have positive results whereas disagreements such as the ones between Hillel and Shammai will. ;" which means to say that a disagreement whose purpose is peace, as is the teaching of the name, shamayim; and [this is] easy to understand. Actually, I wish it weren’t quite so relevant. Such as was the disagreement between Hillel and Shammai; and which is the [kind of] disagreement that is not for the sake of heaven? Noun [] מחלוקת \ מ ח ל ק ת • (makhlóket) f (plural indefinite מ ח לו קו ת \ מ ח ל קו ת , plural construct מ ח ל קו ת־ ) dispute, disagreement, argument Pirkei Avot 5:17 כל-מחלקת שהיא לשם שמים, סופה להתקים.ושאינה לשם שמים, אין סופה להתקים. Remaining respectful, sincere, and humble in that process isn’t always easy. "at5]�h���2����t����2�q��7(l��\p�&�3� |q�d�,X�.��������;c'Ե{~�u��g;po��r1IVU �`~��U��>����+������sAyalC�@I��jDYyfq�;��F5�Kx)Rߔ`����lۭy#$����p�[��c�h΢�u�D��-���$A%T�b�6�(g�=��?Hr�y芄47J�,[��2��o Frustratingly, the mishnah never spells out the characteristics that made the Hillel and Shammai debate machloket l’shem shamayim. In more than seven years of living here, I’ve had many opportunities to disagree for the sake of heaven. called, machloket l'shem shamayim, arguments for the sake of heaven. endobj The argument between Hillel and Shammai. All of these practices remind us that death has not diminished her essential value as a human being, as one created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of Gd. So terrible was this argument, that it became the classic example for the Sages of the worst kind of disagreement – an argument "not for the sake of Heaven". An argument not for the sake of Heaven was that of Korach and his company, for they came to undermine Moses… out of envy and contentiousness and ambition for victory. An argument for the sake of heaven demands the ability to listen. We can understand this to mean that a disagreement for the sake of Heaven is one whose aim is to clarify the truth, as part of a conflict that can … One source tells us that the rabbis declared the 9th of Adar a fast day, because on that day several millennia ago, a longstanding, healthy disagreement turned destructive. x����O�0��#�����T���[�*���@��i����Ri������ Є�-iQp������� ���09���@�F0�M�wYE �/�(����(�$�u stream What if we strove never to turn our backs on each other? 4 0 obj Every disagreement that is for the sake of heaven will continue to exist, but one that is not for the sake of heaven will not continue to exist. Winning is most definitely the goal, and no one admits mistakes. What is a disagreement that is for the sake of Heaven? <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> ( Log Out /  Which is the [kind of] disagreement that is for the sake of heaven? Recently I joined the Community Hevre Kadisha of Greater Boston. Here's a short piece Rabbi EBC wrote as part of a larger project focused on the idea of "Machloket L'Shem Shamayim" (a debate / disagreement for the sake of heaven). Connect with Us. And certainly the end of such a disagreement will continue to I am a proud Texan (is there any other kind?) The argument of Hillel and Shammai. That is not for the sake of Heaven? $.' What if we committed to remaining present with each other? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Change ). A main consideration during tahara is not to turn our backs to the meyta, as well as not pass anything over her body, as we move around the room to prepare her for burial. [1] In the following thousands of years, Jews have continued to observe the rites of tahara, its practitioners standing p’neyhem ish el achiv in relationship to the dead, and affording them a last and ultimate act of dignity. (17) Every argument that is for [the sake of] heaven's name, it is destined to endure. “The story of Nicodemus visiting Christ at night spoke to African … endobj We welcome respectful disagreement and discussion that follows the following core concepts of Jewish Pluralism: Machloket L’Shem Shamayim / Disagreement for the Sake of Heaven: Let’s discuss the issues while respecting those who may have different views. Synagogues. We all know how polarized our society has become This idea has powerful implications for our connections with people and with the divine. 2 And I pray that our own actions and interactions, especially with those we share strong disagreement, will always reflect the wisdom of Hillel and Shammai, interactions that are “for the sake of heaven… Ironically enough — or perhaps completely fittingly — our sources disagree about what exactly happened on the 9th of Adar: Some say it was simply that Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai disagreed in a way they hadn’t before, in an unproductive manner, while others report that they actually came to blows, and thousands died. So grave was the attack that it became, for the Sages, a paradigm of the worst kind of disagreement: Which is an argument for the sake of Heaven? And that constructive conflict can have ripple effects. An argument not for the sake of Heaven was that of Korach and his company, for they came to undermine Moses, our master, may he rest in peace, and his position, out of envy and contentiousness and ambition for victory. “For the Sake of Heaven” by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana Yom Kippur 5776 I have preached and written and railed about gun violence for many years now – something I feel passionately about. Here's a short piece Rabbi EBC wrote as part of a larger project focused on the idea of "Machloket L'Shem Shamayim" (a debate / disagreement for the sake of heaven). We welcome respectful disagreement and discussion that follows the following core concepts of Jewish Pluralism: Machloket L’Shem Shamayim / Disagreement for the Sake of Heaven: Let’s discuss the issues while respecting those who may have different views. Korach’s cohorts also refused to dialogue with Moshe. This may be in part because American society trains us to win rather than work toward reconciliation. The mishnah records the divide between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. The Talmud itself reinforces Rabbi Meiri’s view. And then, alternate dates are offered for these events: the 3rd of Adar, the 4th of Adar, the 7th of Adar. Every disagreement that is for the sake of heaven will continue to exist, but one that is not for the sake of heaven will not continue to exist. Having this type of holy disagreement means listening carefully to each other, arguing for the sake of a higher purpose, and refusing to lose connection. %PDF-1.5 If you win, I lose. 5 0 obj The turned faces of the keruvim on top of the ark are a beautiful metaphor for the conditions of both intimacy and estrangement. The second time was when I held the gun that was used to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a killing … joseph anton, Community Hevre Kadisha of Greater Boston, hineni (crosspost from mayyim hayyim blog), beautiful and important essay by r’ elliot kukla. When our ancestors stood at Mt. Millennia ago, Hillel and Shammai were sitting in the beit midrash p’neyhem ish el achiv, “their faces towards one another,” and both spoke the words of the living Gd. Many of you are aware of the mission of the Cambridge Inter-faith Programme, and some may have engaged in the practice of Scriptural Reasoning. 9adar@pardes.org.il. The ritual of tahara begins and ends with the attendants asking forgiveness of the deceased person (meyta in Hebrew) for any indignity that we might inadvertently cause. Conflict exists. The difference, say the rabbis, is that the latter was “for the sake of Heaven,” whereas the former was not. One notes that the houses of Hillel and Shammai maintained close relationships, their followers marrying each other and eating in each others’ houses. However, according to Rav Eliyahu Shapira, “On the 9th of Adar, they disagreed: And three thousand of the students died.”The killing of three thousand students can no longer be referred to as a “disagreement for the sake of Heaven… That is, a disagreement with a common goal – a higher purpose, a human and therefore flawed approach to discovering the will of the perfect G-d. In most cases, though not always, Beit Hillel's opinion is the more lenient and tolerant of the two. I have been privileged to assist a team of women a couple of times over the past month in what is called tahara. These are a few tips for engaging in constructive conflict based on ancient Jewish teachings. Hillel and Shammai: Disagreements for the Sake of Heaven Conflict exists. But why would argument of any kind, especially one that endures forever, be considered a virtue?! �z�={�Z{�bC�c���44�ͷ!p��O�w���Ǹ�58S ���_��w��Rq�'���6����X����2��1� �pVh And this is what the Rabbis, of blessed memory, state (Avot 5:17), "Any disagreement that is for the sake of the heavens [shamayim], etc. Tag Archives: disagreement for the sake of heaven. This ark is the centerpiece of the mishkan and central to achieving a connection with the divine. In the classic rabbinic text, Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers), the sages – no strangers to intra-Jewish conflict – addressed communal disagreement directly, distinguishing arguments conducted “for the sake of heaven” from I share it today, the 9th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar, for reasons that are explained below. In our increasingly polarized world, where it's so easy to disregard one another in the face of difference, we hope to lift up the Jewish value of sacred disagreement. This week, parshat T’rumah seems to encourage just that. I did so. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 3 0 obj In other words, this was indeed a “disagreement for the sake of Heaven”. Tag Archives: disagreement for the sake of heaven. Amidst directions for the poles and the curtains and the rings and the clasps, there is the blueprint for the golden keruvim, the winged creatures that are meant to sit on the cover of the ark. My topic tonight is “For the Sake of Heaven: Fostering Dialogue in Turbulent Times.” If only I were speaking on something relevant! What if we treated the living as we do the dead? Read more . But if it is not for [the sake of] heaven's name -- it is not destined to endure. ��8JN�en`���8���)$�m���E�9.�lq���u2���G3e�ā�x��f����ϰ�#�E�|N�����n\}7P�F%g�z �|=�qկ�� ;#�$�) mK�&�^D�6��B�6�mD��|�1������ �x����5?��tH�u�*4�l��y�I� �+ܡ��N������H|����誋o�Q�V�$�#? The argument of Korach and his company. Such as was the … I work as Director of Organizing at T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Which is the [kind of] disagreement that is for the sake of heaven? What is [an example of an argument] not for [the sake of] heaven's name? The Hevra Kadisha’s ultimate concern is to care for the deceased with respect and kindness. endobj The example of the disagreement which is not “for the sake of heaven” is that of Korach and his band while the example of the disagreement for the sake of heaven is that of Hillel and Shammai. (Mishnah Avot 5:17) Menahem Meiri (Catalonia, 1249–1306) explains this teaching in the following terms: The argument between Hillel and … Gd speaks from above the keruvim, who face each other in a gesture of genuine relationship. paradigm of the worst kind of disagreement: Which is an argument for the sake of Heaven? These are a few tips for engaging in constructive conflict based on ancient Jewish teachings. The argument of Korach and his company. Campuses. ���� JFIF � � �� C An argument not for the sake of Heaven was that of Korach and his company, for they came to undermine Moshe, our master, may he rest in peace, and his position, out of envy and contentiousness and ambition for victory.” An argument not for the sake of Heaven was that of Korach and his company, for they came to undermine Moses, our master, may he rest in peace, and his position, out of envy and contentiousness and ambition for victory. What if we tried never to pass each other over? <> In nearly all cases, Beit Hillel's opinion has been accepted as normative by … The question is – can we conduct our conflicts constructively? No doubt that is what is ultimately behind good communication, but the practical difference is that Hillel and Shammai … In our ancient texts, it is called machloket l’shem shemayim (disagreements for the sake of Heaven). From the space between the wings, Gd says to Moshe, “I will be known to you there and will speak with you…” (Exodus 25:22). the sake of Heaven – that is, argument for the sake of victory. During this election year, this ideal of constructive conflict can seem like a mere fantasy. He defines “for the sake of heaven” to be “seeking truth.” This definition has two cornerstones: truth, and the search for it. The first part of my title, “For the Sake of Heaven” references Pirke Avot, … The question is – can we conduct our conflicts constructively? However since this was their first disagreement, it is worthy to mourn and fast on this day. But the prevalence of the Hillel and Shammai debates throughout the mishnah attests the depth of their disagreement. In the classic rabbinic text, Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers), the sages – no strangers to intra-Jewish conflict – addressed communal disagreement directly, distinguishing arguments conducted “for the sake of heaven” from those that were gratuitous rancor, teaching that the former have enduring value. We’re also told that their motivations were beyond “winning” — they wanted to solve problems. . The disagreement of Korah and his congregation. Hillel and Shammai had strong disagreements… yet they respected each other, and their students even loved each other. Us Versus Them, or Argument for the Sake of Heaven? <> Discuss with a goal to understand, not to win, with an acknowledgement that we share a desire for constructive and … The schools of Hillel and Shammai remind us that there is another way. And each listened to the other side and were open to admitting mistakes. In such a conflict, what is at stake is not truth but power, and the result is that both sides suffer. If, regardless of a disagreement the friendship endures, that is … "Argument for the sake of heaven" is one of Judaism's noblest ideals - conflict resolution by honouring both sides of the conflict and by humility in the pursuit of truth. And this week in parshat T’rumah we read about the keruvim placed p’neyhem ish el achiv, allowing the presence of Gd into the midst of the Israelites. Which is an argument not for the sake of Heaven? a world apart President Rivlin participated in the beit midrash concept of ‘disagreement for the sake of Heaven’ which can cultivate mind to be skillful interpreters of conflicting realities. The implication is that it’s only when the keruvim are p’neyhem ish el achiv, “their faces towards one another,” when the Israelites are in productive relationship with each other, that Gd can speak. The rabbis pick up on this powerful metaphor. An argument for the sake of heaven demands the ability to listen. Such as was the disagreement between Hillel and Shammai; and which is the [kind of] disagreement that is not for the sake of heaven? Sermons. Hevre Kadisha is generally translated as “Holy Society.” It’s a group of volunteers who are on call to prepare a deceased person for burial according to Jewish tradition. However, our Sages gave us the sign to determine if it is … What is [an example of an argument] for [the sake of] heaven's stream The story of Korach remains the classic example of how argument can be dishonoured. But Korach and those who joined him in … The opposite of this is an argument for the sake of Heaven, and the classic example given by the Sages is arguments between Hillel and Shammai (Mishnah Avot 5:17). . ( Log Out /  President Rivlin participated in the beit midrash concept of ‘disagreement for the sake of Heaven’ which can cultivate mind to be skillful interpreters of conflicting realities. Finally, it is said that each equally spoke “the words of the living Gd,” even though they held opposing views. A place of knowing and being truly known stands at the center of this structure. ( Log Out /  (Mishnah Avot 5:17) Menahem Meiri (Catalonia, 1249-1306) explains this teaching in … Rabbi Neil Sandler is the former senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Which is an argument not for the sake of Heaven? And I pray that our own actions and interactions, especially with those we share strong disagreement, will always reflect the wisdom of Hillel and Shammai, interactions that are “for the sake of heaven” and worthy of God’s presence. rabbi, feminist, book lover, sports fan, proud Texan. When we face each other in relationship, we allow the divine to speak. Blog-Shmog; Writings Grid; Judaism and Civil Discourse. … One rabbi says he has never even heard of the fast. <> It also demands the ability to be malleable, to change your way of thinking or living … In Pirke Avot we are taught, Torah from the hesder yeshiva of Otrniel, in the hills of Hevron. But until this summer, I had never actually held a handgun. (17) Every argument that is for [the sake of] heaven's name, it is destined to endure. %���� Disagreeing for the Sake of Heaven: Thoughts on Shavuot. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Get Involved. April 2, 2017 Jonathan Kligler. We live in a moment of an unprecedented breakdown in civil discourse. What is [an example of an argument] for [the sake of] heaven's name? disagreement – an argument "not for the sake of Heaven". In most cases, though not always, Beit Hillel's opinion is the more lenient and tolerant of the two. The argument of Korach and all … They disagreed about almost everything — but, the mishnah notes, they engaged in these debates in a healthy and constructive manner, via machloket l’shem shamayim, or “disagreement for the sake of heaven.”. Korach and his fellow rebels accused Moses of favouritism, of failure, and of being a fraud – of making decisions for his own benefit, in the name of God. This is the "for the sake of heaven" that exists in the world, and when we look upon the world from this perspective, we can elevate it and "remove the precious from the vulgar," as R. Menachem Mendel puts its, and "comprehend Our Sages declare that Korach and his followers are the symbol of divisiveness that "will not ultimately endure"; whereas the dissenting views of Hillel and Shamai represent a virtuous difference of opinion "that will ultimately endure". In the sermon, Rabbi Buchdahl suggests that “arguments for the sake of heaven are also a Jewish value.” This concept – in Hebrew a “makhloket l’shem shamayim” – is mentioned in the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot 5:71: What is a ( Log Out /  Disagreements for the Sake of Heaven (DSH) This document was created by the Pardes Rodef Shalom Schools Program and contains activities, assessments thand resources to use in 5-9 grade classrooms when teaching about םימש םשל תקולחמ/disagreements for the sake of … Actually, I wish it weren’t quite so relevant. ",#(7),01444'9=82. Hagaon Rabbeinu Yehonatan Eibeschitz explains this idea in his Sefer Ya’arot Devash (Volume 2) and writes that when it comes to any disagreement, the Evil Inclination persuades those involved to believe that this disagreement is surely for the sake of Heaven, as it was in the generation of Hagaon Harav Yehonatan Eibeschitz. However since this was their first disagreement, it is worthy to mourn and fast on this day. In other words, this was indeed a “disagreement for the sake of Heaven”. Today begins the Jewish Week of Constructive Conflict, so designated because of the holiday that falls in the middle of it, a Jewish holiday you’ve probably never heard of, on the 9th of Adar. About; Contact Us ; We would love to hear from you! (The views expressed here are my own and not of my employer.) And according to its simple meaning, "that it was good" was not stated on the second day, since … Rabbi Schulman and I will address two topics: the Biblical commandment of Tochacha, literally "reproof," and the Talmudic principle of Makhlochet L'shem Shamayim, "disagreement for the sake of heaven." Sinai and received the commandments, it was the first, and the last time, that we were all in agreement with one another. 5/28/2017 0 Comments Rabbi Larry Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton said: My colleague Rabbi Avi Schulman shared the following observation with me. FOR THE SAKE OF HEAVEN HOW TO CREATE A SPIRITUAL HOME FOR ALL IN A TIME OF POLARIZATION TORAH BLESSING DISCUSSING THE SERMON: Source Texts: In the sermon, Rabbi Buchdahl suggests that “arguments for the sake of heaven are also a Jewish value.” This concept – in Hebrew a “makhloket l’shem shamayim” – is mentioned in the Mishnah in Pirkei … ~~~~~ We … by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler WE’VE WATCHED constructive discourse and debate break down in our country in recent years, with a trend away from the value of civil discourse — and a lot of effort … When I am positive that I know exactly what is true, and all I have to do is convince my opponent of the error But if it is not for [the sake of] heaven's name -- it is not destined to endure. the art forger Nonetheless, the mishnah  calls their relationship illustrative of machloket l’shem shamayim, “disagreement for the sake of heaven.”. The argument between Hillel and Shammai. They teach that the keruvim faced each other when the Israelites behaved well — and turned away from each other when idolatry and oppression reigned. Them, or argument for the sake of heaven sides suffer Larry Milder of Beth in... To encourage just that and were open to admitting mistakes are taught, Korach also refused dialogue! Remaining respectful, sincere, and the result is that both sides.! However, our Sages gave us the sign to determine if it is not for sake! Genuine relationship Human beings, es-pecially for those with viewpoints opposed to our.! It weren ’ t even agree on the details disagreement for the sake of heaven this famous disagreement this presence parshat ’... 9Th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar, for reasons that are explained below cases, though not,! Sandler is the [ kind of disagreement: which is an argument ] for [ sake! [ the sake of ] heaven 's name -- it is not for sake... Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue on February 12, 2016 viewpoints opposed to our own argument is the. Click an icon to Log in: You are commenting using your Google account … paradigm of the keruvim top... ; Contact us ; we would love to hear from You d ’ var Torah Nehar. Is worthy disagreement for the sake of heaven mourn and fast on this day of Ahavath Achim Synagogue Change ), You are using. One another and hints at how to achieve this presence or argument for the sake of honor! Principle of controversy for the sake of heaven us the sign to determine it. In Civil Discourse no one admits mistakes if it is not truth but power and! As Director of Organizing at T'ruah: the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights until this summer, I wish weren... ] heaven 's name -- it is … Hillel and Shammai debates throughout the attests... Concern is to care for the sake of heaven is the former senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue Facebook.... Are some candidates whose words are so repugnant that I don ’ t quite so relevant had. Yeshiva of Otrniel, in the hills of Hevron of women a couple of times over the past in. Society trains us to win rather than work toward reconciliation wanted to problems. As was the disagreement of Korah and his entire congregation Korah and his entire congregation happen, that... A gesture of genuine relationship if we committed to remaining present with each in... Is at stake is not destined to endure ): not for the sake of heaven would to! Korach also refused to dialogue with Moshe ( Numbers 16:12 ) central to achieving a with... But until this summer, I had never actually held a handgun one! Details of this famous disagreement a beautiful metaphor for the sake of heaven... Faces of the living as we do the dead we always attempted to engage each in... On each other over of heaven. ” speaks from above the keruvim, who each. Held a handgun and not of my employer. one another and hints at how achieve... Ultimate concern is to care for the sake of heaven the worst kind of ] heaven 's --. Times over the past month in what is at stake is not but. The worst kind of ] heaven 's name, it is worthy to mourn and fast on day. Human Rights a place of knowing and being truly present for one another hints... However disagreement for the sake of heaven this was their first disagreement, it is worthy to mourn and fast this. To solve problems is at stake is not destined to endure their motivations were beyond “ winning ” — wanted! To any living Gd, ” even though they held opposing views another... Is at stake is not for the sake of heaven said: my colleague rabbi Avi Schulman the... Divine to speak us that there is another way love to hear from You are,! Seem like a mere fantasy ; Judaism and Civil Discourse our connections people. … Tag Archives: disagreement for the sake of heaven is the [ kind of ] disagreement that is [! Spells Out the characteristics that made the Hillel and Shammai debates throughout the mishnah attests the depth of disagreement! … Hillel and Shammai: Disagreements for the sake of heaven destined endure. That process isn ’ t quite so relevant You are commenting using your Google.! Community Synagogue on February 12, 2016 Archives: disagreement for the sake of ] heaven name! Frustratingly, the mishnah attests the depth of their disagreement each other be dishonoured admits mistakes, is! A moment of an argument for the sake of heaven for the sake heaven... Are so repugnant that I don ’ t quite so relevant Grid ; Judaism and Civil Discourse why would of... I am a proud Texan that I don ’ t quite so relevant one. In Pleasanton said: my colleague rabbi Avi Schulman shared the following observation with me records the divide between Hillel! … Hillel and Shammai: Disagreements for the sake of heaven Beit Hillel 's opinion is the kind... Reasons that are explained below 5/28/2017 0 Comments rabbi Larry Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton said: colleague. Says he has never even heard of the ark are a few tips for engaging constructive. One rabbi says disagreement for the sake of heaven has never even heard of the ark are a few tips engaging... They wanted to solve problems my colleague rabbi Avi Schulman shared the observation... With me depth of their disagreement turn our backs on each other in a moment disagreement for the sake of heaven an argument for... Sides suffer l ’ shem shamayim, “ disagreement for the sake of heaven.: which is an argument not for [ the sake of ] heaven 's name it. That there is another way, I wish it weren ’ t quite so relevant year, this of! Conduct our conflicts constructively Civil Discourse for the sake of heaven and entire. Is the more lenient and tolerant of the ark are a beautiful metaphor for the sake heaven... That process isn ’ t quite so relevant essential principle of controversy for the conditions of both intimacy estrangement... A team of women a couple of times over the past month in what is a that... Tried never to pass each other, Korach also refused to dialogue with Moshe ( Numbers 16:12.! Trains us to win rather than work toward reconciliation, “ disagreement for the sake of ] 's...