שבת Date: 19 Nissan, 5774 (4/19/14) – Beitzah#20 {Tani}

Argumentation

[20a bottom] Gemarah: Hillel the elder brought an Olah sacrifice on the Mizbeach (altar) on YomTov. Shammai the elder held it was improper to bring. When Hillel was rebuked, he responded (by altering the truth) that he was bringing a Shelamim offering (which was acceptable according to Shammai’s standards). Hillel was praised for saying such because instead of proving his opinion as correct through arguments, he agreed with another’s opinion (and even lied about what sacrifice he brought, although according to his opinion the sacrifice was correct).
Abaye: When one rebukes a person, he/she should not respond to the rebuke to agitate his/her friend to a greater degree.

T’s lesson: #1) We see hear that we should be careful in how we respond to another’s rebuke. #2) We are allowed to alter the truth for the sake of peace. However, we should be careful to only use it when necessary and for the right purposes.