A student of Rav Yoshe Ber Solveichik shared how the Rav was once describing the halachik considerations of a couple adopting a child. He explained how the halachik challenges of yichud are navigated as the child grows up and contrasted his view, which allowed a couple to adopt with the lubavitcher Rebbe’s view, which was more stringent.
The student recalls how he asked Rabbi Solveichik what would the Lubavitcher Rebbe say to a childless woman filled with pain and desperate to adopt? Rebbe Salveichik smiled and responded, he sends the couple to me. I’m reminded of this exchange by the episode of Korach found in this week’s parshah. The mishnah in Pirkei Avos teaches, Any argument that’s for the sake of heaven is destined to last and yield positive results.
An argument that’s not for the sake of heaven, but for selfish or egotistical motives, will never last or yield positive results. And the Mishnah illustrates this teaching with two classic examples. The arguments between beis shamai and beis hillel were for the sake of heaven, which is why they are still taught and studied to this very day.
The argument of Korach and his entourage were not for the sake of heaven and remain in infamy. The commentaries note an interesting inconsistency. When the Mishnah describes the argument for the sake of heaven, it says “between beis hillel and beis shamai,” noting both opinions. However, when the Mishnah describes Korach’s argument, it states the argument of Korach and his entourage.
Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to describe Korach’s argument as between him and Moshe? Why does it say Korach and his entourage, omitting who he was arguing with? Rav Shimon Schwab offered a beautiful insight. An argument for the sake of heaven is only achieved when both parties are motivated by and interested in the truth.
To get to the truth, one must consider both sides. Beis Hillel and Beis Shamai both sought to genuinely understand the halacha, and they each considered the other’s approach in their search for the truth. Korach, on the other hand, was never motivated by the truth. He only saw his side of the coin. His opinion started and ended with his own interests.
To Korach, Moshe and Aaron’s perspective wasn’t ignored, it wasn’t even considered at all. So often debates cease to be an exchange of ideas and instead become a doubling down of preconceived positions. But for an argument to be productive and fruitful, the pursuit has to be focused on what is truthful.
This is what Rabbi Salveichik was teaching his student. Although the Rebbe disagreed with his position, it was never a point of division. And so when it came to helping a childless couple in need, the Rebbe found a way for them to proceed. Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos.
