If one were to mention the phrase eilu v’eilu (these and those) among Jewish scholars, it would probably call to mind the famous Talmudic debate between the House of Hillel and the House of Shammai and the bat kol (heavenly voice) who declared, “Both these and those are words of the living God” (BT Eiruvin 13b). Theirs was a dispute “for the sake of Heaven” and it would endure (Pirkei Avot 5.17). For some readers, eilu v’eilu endorses a both/and approach: both this perspective and that perspective are equally valid and valuable. They should both be thoughtfully considered and celebrated.
Some people, however, might recall the next line in the Talmud: the halakhah accords with the House of Hillel. Though both schools’ positions are considered divine, the community should act in accordance with Hillel’s ruling. A norm is needed, a direction is called for: people need to know what...
