Debates Should Be Passionate – and Compassionate, Too

As the global Covid-19 pandemic calms down somewhat, though stubbornly refusing to disappear, society has been eagerly preparing an attempt to return to normal, whatever that means. But we find ourselves yet again struggling to achieve the peaceful existence we have tried so hard to arrive at for so many years. We face a multidimensional challenge. A reflection on the sacred illumination in the ancient temple, the central topic of the Torah portion read this past week in Israel and this coming week in the Diaspora, might provide some precious guidance.

Among the holy items God directs Moses along with Bezalel to create in the desert sanctuary, which preceded the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the menorah stands out in several ways. Unlike others, it was hewn from one block of gold. According to the opinion and design presented in the writings of Rashi and Maimonides, the mechanism of its illumination was also somewhat unique. The branches would point outward from the base in opposite directions, three this way and three that way. The middle branch pointed straight up. The wicks of the various branches and their flames, however, would point toward the center. The middle flame would point straight up, toward heaven. We are taught that the middle flame represented the connection between the Divine and the material world — heaven and Earth — while the other flames spoke to the yearning of each side to come together, hoping for the sanctity symbolized by the one in the middle. The Torah actually uses words translating as to “raise up” or elevate the light, not merely kindle it. Perhaps the intent is that when kindling we create light, but when illuminating beyond our natural instinct or agenda, toward a greater purpose, we actually raise up and elevate the lights we kindle.

We find ourselves in a dilemma where this example of illumination bears remembering. Society is torn between two very different approaches. Some have taken to expressing their deeply held beliefs with such unusual fervor that mere recognition of the existence of another point of view is all but eliminated. That isn’t going to get us where we need to go.

I stand here in the middle, not in partisanship or judgement. My left and right eyes both shed tears.

Passionate difference of opinion is actually a very Jewish concept. It is also the democratic way. It is the decent way. We can argue passionately, but once one demeans the other so that anything positive or bright about them is eliminated from the discussion, the ability to create light — as opposed to heat — diminishes.

We can argue passionately, but once one demeans the other so that anything positive or bright about them is eliminated from the discussion, the ability to create light — as opposed to heat — diminishes.

We have a national emergency. Opponents hate each other more than I can ever remember and I am concerned that we are going to get hurt much more if something doesn’t give very soon.

I would often tell guests at our Shabbat table who were from opposite sides of the aisle and would get into some heated arguments, “Debate all you want, but the food stays on the table.” Today, I feel like a food fight has started. And it needs to end.

Let us remember how we live as Jews today, — our tradition almost exclusively following the opinion of the Talmudic sage, Hillel. His adversary, Shamai, was rather stringent, all but demanding the ultimate result at the outset. Hillel maintained it was better to start with the available when permissible, encourage the possible and work from there. We don’t follow him merely because he was more lenient. Indeed, he had another great trait. Before stating his opinion, he would state that of his opponent, even as he then countered it vigorously.

The intensity of conflict to the point where the other party’s rights or dignity as opposed to their opinion are no longer valid, is driving us all to a place we must not go. We need to move to a better way, even as we hold firm to our positions, and try to reach out to others who disagree, and see how with understanding we might point toward that golden center flame, the divinity within it and its important message: illuminating not only our immediate sacred abodes but the world beyond.

Then we will pray fervently and hope God will answer us with a strengthened ability to find a common purpose. One which will remind us, as we continue to be different, that like branches hewn from one base we are beings here from one creator, and must light a candle pointing to that source of sacred ultimate light, which will help guide us forward in our effort to heal our soul and our world.

Rabbi Levi Shemtov is the executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) in Washington, D.C. His upcoming book, “Capital Sparks,” will be released in early 2021.