Blog

Disagreeing L’Shem Shemayim, For the Sake of Heaven

An excerpt from Rabbi Berezin's Sermon on Friday, June 23:
"When we debate things that we care deeply about, and we are challenged, we can respond in one of several ways. We can stand our ground and refuse to listen to viewpoints that differ from ours. We can listen but without the intention of allowing anyone or anything sway us. Or we can choose to be open and respectful and allow new perspectives to find their way into our consciousness and allow ourselves to question what we thought we knew... There ARE ways to disagree respectfully. In fact, in Jewish tradition, it is a cherished value and a key part of study. To challenge, to disagree, to question – these are foundational Jewish values. Pirkei Avot tells that every dispute that is l’shem Shemayim, for the Sake of Heaven, will in the end endure; but one that is not for the sake of Heaven, it will not endure (Pirkei Avot 5:17)."

--

Watch the entirety of Friday’s service here. 

Temple Talk is a recap of sermons given from the Bimah for those who missed a Sermon or who wanted to revisit the words spoken at a previous sermon.