Parashat Korach

Controversial vs. Honorable Debates

By Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon

Founder and Board Chairman, JobKatif

From the scenario with Korach in this week’s parasha, one may come to the conclusion that any dispute according to Torah is forbidden. Recall that Korach gathers a group of people and questions Moshe’s authority. He questions Moshe’s leadership contending that the entire nation of Israel is holy, and therefore not in need of Moshe’s leadership. Korach and his followers are then gravely punished for creating such a polemic. True, Korach’s rebellion against Moshe is damaging and creates a negative air amongst the nation, but is there no room in Judaism for controversy and difference of opinion?

Pirkei Avot (5:17) says that only virtuous arguments are allowed; those with other motives are forbidden. Korach’s argument is an example of one that is forbidden since his quarrel had a malicious, controversial intention. An example of an honorable debate is that which occurred between the Houses of Hillel and Shammai.

Gemarah Eruvin 13b recounts that for three years, the two houses of Hillel and Shammai differed in opinion. They were both adamant that the Halacha was according to their own respective interpretations. During one of their arguments, a heavenly voice came down and confirmed that the Halacha was like the House of Hillel since his words were said with modesty and kindness. Furthermore, Hillel’s students not only studied his teachings, but they also studied Shammai’s.

Along these lines, the Maharal says that what makes this world beautiful is its diversity. People come for different walks of life and therefore clash occasionally, but this is the point from which creativity stems. The world itself was created with many different, conflicting components and yet it continues to turn.

Halacha therefore goes according to the House of Hillel because he and his students embodied this concept. Hillel was able to come to truth since he understood that in order to find it, he must take into account the opposing opinion; he must listen and be tolerant of the other.

We see that the Torah does encourage fighting for what you believe in, but the discussion must always have a greater purpose in mind; one should not argue for the sake of generating controversy. We must always remember that when interacting with others, there will always be conflicting ideas, but one must always be open-minded and listen to the other with respect.

May G-d grant this ability on all of us, thereby creating more beauty and goodness in this world. Shabbat Shalom!