“That which is hateful to you, do not do to others” may appear to be more cumbersome than the later version of the expression (Do unto others) but indications are that this teaching, verbalized by Hillel in the Talmud*, was very popular in ancient Judea. We are more familiar with the ‘positive’ version which is based upon a teaching in Christian scripture than Hillel’s ‘negative’ version. Ask yourself which teaching is clearer, more direct, more approachable, and more concrete? Is it easier to prohibit negative behavior or to encourage positive behavior?
This week we read Parshat Shelach which describes the reconnaissance mission of 12 scouts who were gathering intelligence for the rest of the tribes. Each of the scouts was selected from his own tribe for the sake of a national mission.
We learn that each scout had a specific task to perform. In my mind’s eye, I see 12 men walking together until each had to go in his own direction, returning to a meeting point, sharing observations and then rejoining the Nation of Israel. Each of these scouts had an opportunity to coexist with his neighbor, refraining from negative interactions and potentially assuring the community of a simpler entry into the Land. As it turned out the scouts failed to follow the wisdom of Hillel’s teaching (Hillel lived 1,200 years later and thus was unable to guide these adult men) and 10 scouts filed a pessimistic report while two scouts filed an optimistic report. The nation split into factions and we all know what results from factions; conflict, discord and refusal to collaborate. Guess what happened? The entire nation wandered for 40 years.
Needless to say, it was not a happy ending. If only Hillel had lived 1,200 years earlier. Too bad he didn’t. But for that matter, Hillel died 2,000 years ago and we have an opportunity to learn from him, an opportunity unavailable to the scouts.
Will we?
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Steve Silberman
*Hillel’s teaching is found in Talmud Shabbat page 31 a
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