January 21, 2005

“Disagreeing Agreeably”

Emotions are running high but polarities are growing deeper not only among all Jews but within orthodoxy as well. The saged Rabbis of Israel’s United Torah Judaism, the party of the haredim, granted permission for UTJ to enter the government, in essence giving tacit approval to the removal of all Jewish settlers from Gaza and four settlements on the West Bank. Recriminations are flying in all directions and dangerous reactions are emerging. The net result is a chilul Hashem.

The right to disagree is indisputable. It is a sacred component of the Mishnah and the Talmud. Divergency of thought within the parameters of halacha adjure to the glory of Torah. Fierce arguments resulting in outrageous behavior bring no resolution and indeed create catastrophic chasms. Jews are a minority among the world’s religious and ethnic groups. Orthodox Jews are a distinct minority within the Jewish world. We are supposed to be exemplars of Torah behavior and ahavat yisrael, love for all Jews. The use of disrespectful rhetoric against the Torah sages of the haredi world or the venerable former Chief Rabbis of Israel is unbecoming any G-d fearing Jew.

Invective is a common tool of politics. Halachic opinions often effect political positions but under no circumstances should they be called “politics”. “Rabbis should stay out of politics” is an oft heard retort of those who fail to understand what Torah and halacha are all about. A commitment to halacha cannot be limited to maters of food or prayer. An orthodox Jew seeks the way of Hashem and guidance emanating from Torah. The bonafide Rav is not a clerical official similar to clergy of other religions. In a Jewish state, most issues and decisions are subject to halachic review most especially for those who consider every inch of this G-d given land to be sacred. The lives of those who live within the borders of the country are even more important. The issues at hand are neither black nor white and if Torah guidance is needed, it is here and now.

I have often heard people say, “Rabbis ought to get together and agree”. This is utter nonsense. It is not just that Rabbis have a right to disagree but they are obligated to do so. They are mandated to express their convictions and beliefs. Pluralism is the dynamic of Torah. Hillel and Shammai were the foremost disputants in the Mishanh. They argued, and their divergent views are studied each time we open a Talmud to learn. These sages set an example for debate in Jewish life. They argued but respected each other and their children went so far as to marry one another.

There are no winners in hateful dispute. In an environment of respect, everyone wins. What separates chilul Hashem from kiddush Hashem is behavior.

Amid all of this controversy the question arises, who does an orthodox Jew follow? The Mishna long ago responded, “Make unto yourself a Rabbi….and judge everyone favorably.” (Avos: I:6) Invalidating one Rabbinic view over another is an act of demagoguery

Measuring Torah scholars with “My Rabbi is greater than yours” is childish. A mature and responsible Jew will not pick and choose the Rabbi whose views on a given issue he agrees with., but should walk the path paved by the Rav of the community or a family Rav. Admittedly this can be difficult at times, but consistency is a vital aspect of a successful and meaningful Torah life.

I know many people who strongly adhere to the positions taken by their Rabbis but at no time disrespected opposing views. My late father, Rav Yaakov Grossman of blessed memory, studied in Radin at the feet of his teacher, the Chafetz Chaim. This great sage was known for his strong conviction, knowledge and extraordinary piety. One day my father overheard this great Zaddik chastise a student who mocked a famous Chassidic Rabbi. The Chalets Chaim reminded the student that there were seventy faces to the Torah and each one is in the image of G-d.

Though I am deeply concerned about the serious issues facing Israel, I am nevertheless equally worried about the future of Torah Jewry once the dust settles. Israel’[s future will greatly depend on our peoples ability to unite. The future of Torah Jews in Orthodox Judaism everywhere in the world will be determined by our ability to grow up. Children are often limited in understanding differences. Mature and responsible adults know how to disagree agreeably.

Edited by Anna Olswanger

Shabbat Shalom