Eilu V’eilu : These and those are the words of the Living God

After two successful years of 10 Minutes of Torah, we’ve added a new dimension: Eilu V’eilu. This point/counterpoint model involves a dialogue between two scholars and provides for your active participation. This kind of intellectual debate is at the center of our tradition. The term eilu v’eilu comes from the following Talmudic text:

For three years there was a dispute between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai, the former asserting, “The law is in agreement with our views,” and the latter contending, “The law is in agreement with our views.” Then a bat kol, a voice from heaven, announced, Eilu v’eilu divrei Elohim Chayim, “These and those are the words of the living God, but the law is in agreement with the rulings of Beit Hillel.”

Since, however, “Eilu V’eilu, both are the words of the living God,” what was it that entitled Beit Hillel to have the law fixed according to their rulings? Because they were kindly and modest, they studied their own rulings and those of Beit Shammai, and were even so humble to mention the words of Beit Shammai before their own. (Eruvin 13b)

“These and those.” Two conflicting opinions can both be valid. Furthermore, there are conflicting points of view which cannot exist without the other. The phrase Eilu V’eilu emphasizes the incompleteness of any single opinion. The v’, which means “and”, is essential, uniting and complementing the two opinions without choosing one or compromising the integrity of either. Both “are the words of the living God;” the debate between Hillel and Shammai is a machloket l’shem shamayim—an enduring dispute in the name of heaven.

Eilu V’Eilu follows in the tradition of the preservation of the debates between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai.

One month, two Jews, (at least) two opinions.

Week 1: Two position papers. You have a chance to submit your questions.
Week 2: Rebuttals and challenge.
Week 3: Responses to questions from you.
Week 4: Summary.

Materials are archived by topic on the Web site, along with links for further learning. View the Eilu V'eilu Archives

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