«You want long-standing tradition? Look at the Jewish tradition regarding disputes — the written word; civil, if passionate, debate. Our tradition demands that we debate on the merits instead of denigrating our opponents. Hillel and Shammai embodied Judaism very differently, but both views were valid.»The Kotel is for Us, Too – Forward.com
http://forward.com/articles/178365/the-kotel-is-for-us-too/
http://m.forward.com/articles/178365/the-kotel-is-for-us-too
Best Regards,
RRW
1 comment:
It seems that every group within the Jewish world, when they face an argument with another Jewish group, like to refer to the disputes between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai and the principle of eilu v'eilu. The fact is, though, that not every dispute within the Jewish world was historically always approached within this principle. There was not declaration of eilu v'eilu between the Pharasees and the Sadducees.
This recognition does not touch to the issue, actually, of right or wrong. This is not an argument on the substantive issue presented by the WoW. I am just tired of hearing eilu v'eilu used as an argument in every case to enforce one group to abide by another group's position. Not every argument fits within the rules of applicability of eilu v'eilu. If you wish me to abide by your opposing viewpoint because of the principle of eilu v'eilu, prove to me first that eilu v'eilu is really applicable.
Rabbi Ben Hecht
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