The Schmooze
Let’s argue – but let’s do it with respect
The Jewish concept of ‘arguments for the sake of heaven’ feels very apt at this time of year
September 22, 2025 11:33
3 min read
The Jewish concept of ‘arguments for the sake of heaven’ feels very apt at this time of year
September 22, 2025 11:33This moment of the Jewish year invites reflection. Where we as individuals take stock of the year gone by and ask: What could I have done better? And what will I do differently this year?
Our community, too, should ask the same.
It has undoubtedly been a challenging one for the Jewish people. Some of this is related to our inter-communal relationships with the outside world – rising antisemitism and the growing sense of isolation that some of us feel are deeply concerning. Against a backdrop of increasing hateful rhetoric, this becomes even more unsettling. Just as troubling, though, are the fissures in intra-communal relationships that define our day-to-day Jewish lives. Many in the community feel divides sharpening, creating groups unable or unwilling to talk to one another. It feels like we have lost the art of conversation across difference, be it online or over the Shabbat table.
And yet, somewhat helpfully, a look at Jewish traditional texts provides some guidance on how we might be able to rebuild it, and become a community enriched by different perspectives rather than being defined by division.
In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), we encounter the concept of machloket l’shem shamayim – arguments for the sake of heaven: “Every dispute that is for the sake of heaven, will in the end endure; but one that is not for the sake of heaven, will not endure.”
The sages go on to contrast the arguments of Hillel and Shammai – passionate, often fierce debates held in the spirit of learning and truth-seeking – with the rebellion of Korach, driven by ego and division. The former are remembered with respect, whilst the latter ended in ruin.
It is tempting to believe that polarisation is inherently a contemporary issue. And whilst it is no doubt exacerbated by the echo chambers of WhatsApp groups and algorithms of social media companies, it is by no means a new phenomenon.
The challenge we face is not whether we are in conflict, but how we are in conflict
Jonathan Sacks, writing back in 1991, put it beautifully: “Judaism did not merely contain argument. It celebrated it as a high, perhaps the highest, form of religious expression. It was in argument that the word of God became real in the life of man. It was in argument that the covenant was continued into the present and future. It was in argument that divergent viewpoints were brought into relationship with one another.”
Our sages remind us that we have always disagreed with one another. The challenge we face is not whether we are in conflict, but how we are in conflict.
Too often, our communal debates risk descending into the territory of Korach – driven by anger, by point-scoring, by a desire to win rather than to learn. Machloket l’shem shamayim asks something harder of us: to enter debate with curiosity, humility and a willingness to listen. Not to force others to change their minds, but to be open to new perspectives, to understand one another better, and maybe even to see ourselves differently as a result.
Arguments for the sake of heaven is a core value of Limmud. At a time when so much pulls us apart, Limmud Festival offers something rare in today’s community – an intentional space where Jews of all backgrounds learn together, eat together, dance together, argue together, and celebrate being Jewish together. Where rabbis share platforms with activists, academics with artists, politicians with poets. Where disagreement is welcomed, rather than feared – because we believe that when it is for the sake of heaven, it strengthens rather than fractures us.
One of the reasons we are excited to chair this year’s festival is that Limmud feels like nothing else in the Jewish community. We have both been inspired by Limmud’s values: bringing together the best of the diverse Jewish community, expanding our collective horizons through learning, community through mutual responsibility. We are so proud of our wonderful team of volunteers who are committed to creating an experience for participants that is guided by these values, creating sparks of connection – even where it may seem unlikely.
As we enter 5786, may we all embrace the arguments worth having. May we seek out conversations that challenge us and promote reflection. And may we remember that a community that can argue with respect, across difference, is a community that will endure.
Jake Berger and Sarah Rose are co-chairs of Limmud Festival. Festival 2025 takes place from December 26 to 31. For more information and to book tickets, click here or visit: limmud.org/festival
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