(יז) כָּל מַחֲלֹקֶת שֶׁהִיא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, סוֹפָהּ לְהִתְקַיֵּם. וְשֶׁאֵינָהּ לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, אֵין סוֹפָהּ לְהִתְקַיֵּם. אֵיזוֹ הִיא מַחֲלֹקֶת שֶׁהִיא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, זוֹ מַחֲלֹקֶת הִלֵּל וְשַׁמַּאי.
(17) Every dispute that is for the sake of Heaven, will in the end endure; But one that is not for the sake of Heaven, will not endure. Which is the controversy that is for the sake of Heaven? Such was the controversy of Hillel and Shammai.
Although Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagreed (on many critical issues) ... nevertheless .. they behaved with love and friendship toward one another, as it says in Zecharia, "TRUTH and PEACE they loved."
Yevamot 14b:4-10
Yevamot 14b:4-10
And the argument which is "for the sake of Heaven", the purpose is to arrive at the truth--and this* endures...And the argument which is not for the sake of Heaven, its desired purpose is to achieve power and the love of victory-- and its end will not endure.
Bartenura on Pirkei Avot 5:17:1
Bartenura on Pirkei Avot 5:17:1
When people argue for the sake of heaven they put aside ego and the need to win at all costs...This truth, which is the end product of a combination of deeply held principles tempered by a willingness to yield in the face of a point of view that resonates with the mind or the heart, endures and has a powerful impact on the lives of those who hear and accept it. ––
Rabbi Michael Chernick
Rabbi Michael Chernick
- What are some of the criteria that constitute an argument "for the sake of heaven"?
- What is the goal of this kind of argument?
- Do you agree?
- What values do you think need to be present in order to respond to opposing ideas with debate?
- What are some examples in your life where you might encounter opposing worldviews? How might Source 1 or 2 help you navigate your response?