יום ה Date: 21 Adar, 5775 (3/12/15) – Kesuvos#38 {Eliezer}

AGREEING CONTRADICTIONS

[38b middle] R’ Akiva is quoted once in a Braisa and once in a Mishnah by two different Tanaaim with contradicting opinions.
Rashi [GM’ Kesuvos 57a]: When one person says a lecture (only one time) and two people came back quoting different things, one of them must be incorrect. But, when two sages have contrasting opinions separately, we apply the principle of, “Eilu Ve’eilu Divrei Elokim Chaim,” that side by side, both are true living words. In other areas of life, there is only one factual truth. But in Halacha (Jewish law) and in areas of spirituality, many truths co-exist together (even when they are opposing).
Maharal: When a lecturer asks, “What makes a tree grow?” various answers are given such as: water, sun, dirt, and air. They are all true, but it depends on one’s outlook and perspective.

D-E-ep Thoughts: Sometimes, we are too quick to judge other people as we feel we are smarter and have much more knowledgable answers. Even if we think we know more logical solutions, there may be specific reasons as to why other people do things differently [ie: they might be very uptight or more comfortable with familiarity]. We should always view others with various lenses specific to each individual, even if we are not able to walk a mile in their shoes.