As the argument in the congregation heated up, the two factions crowded around the Rabbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe always do it like this!\u201d said one group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, we always do it like that!\u201d said the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rabbi listened to the bickering and said sadly, \u201cUnfortunately, we always do it like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In yesterday\u2019s lesson, we discussed arguments that are really about us and our own selfish interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is another type of argument, however, which is more noble and well intentioned. It\u2019s a machloket l\u2019shem shamayim<\/em>, an argument for Heaven\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although an argument for selfish reasons is problematic, an argument for Heaven\u2019s sake rests on firmer ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of disagreement revolves around what the ideal should be. What is right and what is wrong. In fact, it\u2019s the way we describe the Talmudic arguments of Hillel and Shammai, two of the greatest sages of all time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So how do you tell the difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hillel and Shammai epitomized an argument for Heaven\u2019s sake because the matter they were debating was the beginning and end of their fight. Everything else between them was pleasant, respectful and accepting. They even welcomed a proposal of marriage between their children. Can you imagine becoming in-laws of somebody with whom you were locked in an argument!?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When there is no other conflict between you except the point of debate, no other tension or ill will, then yours can be an argument for the sake of Heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you believe that your fight is for Heaven\u2019s sake, gossip, slander and personal attack are simply not acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try this today: Even if you have a strong principled argument with someone, make your case purely, without expressing any negativity towards the person in any way.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the argument in the congregation heated up, the two factions crowded around the Rabbi.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always do it like this!\u201d said one group.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we always do it like that!\u201d said the other.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-851","daily-lesson","type-daily-lesson","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-normal"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n