Dear Friends,
Last month in this column I introduced two vital Jewish values to help us as we confront this terrible war: Tzelem Elohim (human dignity) and Yetziat Mitzrayim (compassion for those under duress). This month, I’d like to tell you about Hillel and Shammai. They were ancient study partners who sparred about nearly every area of Jewish law. Even though both sides presented cogent arguments, Hillel almost always won. Why? According to the Talmud (Eruvin 13b) it was because Hillel would teach the opposing side’s argument first. He would invite the Shammai family to dine in his home even though they disagreed about kashrut. In short, he was a mensch, and that mattered most of all.
Further, the Mishnah (Avot 5.16) relates that there are two types of disagreements: those for heaven’s sake (l’shem shamayim) and those not for heaven’s sake. According to the text, Hillel and Shammai exemplify what it means to disagree for heaven’s sake.
As we all continue to pray for peace and the hostages’ safe return, I’d like to share some further learning resources with you in the spirit of Hillel and Shammai. In addition to our TBT programs, these can help us better understand the events in Israel and Gaza. If you’re a podcast listener, I recommend the Ezra Klein Show and the Hartman Institute’s “For Heaven’s Sake” Podcast. For high-level geopolitical analysis, check out the BICOM Podcast. (BICOM has also has an excellent primer on the conflict.) In particular, I recommend the following episodes from Ezra Klein’s Show:
● Rabbi Sharon Brous (Senior Rabbi of IKAR LA)
● Aaron David Miller (Veteran US Peace Negotiator who played a key role in Oslo)
● Yossi Klein HaLevi (Senior Scholar of the Hartman Institute) and Amjad Iraqi (Palestinian-Israeli Journalist) — I recommend listening to these two back-to-back.
The ability to hold cognitive dissonance is a Jewish aspiration, reflected in much of the Talmud’s discourse. (And, not to mention, Tevye). When you listen to these podcasts, you will almost certainly hear ideas that both affirm and challenge your beliefs. You may start crying or feel very angry. I did both of these things.
I believe that as Reform Jews, we are called upon to grasp the fullness of this conflict, including things that make us uncomfortable. When we pay close attention to the lived experiences of people on all sides of this conflict, can we develop our own positions, grounded in moral integrity, an honest understanding of history, and the wisdom of our tradition. We can feel more confident in our commitment to Israel, knowing that we are not afraid to confront the pain of past and present.
L’Shalom — with every fervent prayer for peace,
Rabbi Moss