A Hashkafic Statement and Campaign Request

“And why was it that the law was established like Beit Hillel?

...they studied their words and also the words of Beit Shammai

and, even more so, always presented the words of Beit Shammai first.”

T.B. Eruvin 13b

Dear Friend:

Most of us have heard this famous statement from the gemara at some point but how many of us have really considered its profound implications?

Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai were each adamantly committed to the Halacha as they understood it. Yet, Beit Hillel made a point of ensuring that the view of Beit Shammai – the view with which they fully disagreed – was still articulated, studied, even presented first.

Imagine how fundamentally this policy must have underlined and influenced Beit Hillel’s entire world view? Now, go one step further -- imagine how different the world would be today if we all followed Beit Hillel’s example!

Every day we are confronted -- individually, communally and nationally -- with a multitude of important questions. Israel, women in Judaism, the influence of secular culture – these are just some of the serious issues facing today’s Jew committed to living a life rich in Torah insight. How different would the language of debate and discussion be if each of us respectfully presented the opposing view? Not only would this encourage greater harmony within the Torah world but it is only by considering every Halachic opinion that we are able to immerse ourselves in the full Wisdom of the Divine.

This is no easy utopia to achieve. Learning how to truly think from a different perspective is a strenuous intellectual and moral challenge. However, as Jews, this challenge is our inheritance and, most importantly, our duty. Nishma’s objective is to further this ideal. Nishma offers education and guidance to Jews across the world with the goal of developing a community seeped in this value of Beit Hillel. Our numerous articles and extensive on-line library of classes delve into the important issues of our day with in-depth analysis that incorporates and promotes our core principle: Eilu v’Eilu Divrei Elokim Chaim.

At Nishma, we firmly believe that true love of Torah comes after struggling with the vastness found in the spectrum of ideas inherent in Judaism - not because we are to be any less steadfast in our positions but because we recognize that this is the Divine Will.

Please join us in this vision by generously responding to this request. Donations can be made on line, by PayPal,through the appropriate icon in the right hand margin.  Thank you for  support.

With Torah blessings for the New Year,

Rabbi Benjamin Hecht
Founding Director