On Disagreement in Jewish History: Edward Fram, “The Glory and Limits of Dispute in the Study in Rabbinic Culture”
In today’s world of sharp polarization, animosity, and rigidity of opinions, it appears to be increasingly difficult to pursue disagreement and mutual engagement on complex issues. But an ethos of disagreement has been a long-standing feature of Jewish culture. Early Rabbinic literature, especially the Talmud, extols “dispute for the sake of Heaven” and embraces a