EVERY CONTROVERSY THAT IS IN THE NAME OF HEAVEN WILL ENDURE

MISHNA. A teaching:

Every controversy that is in the name of heaven, will endure in the end; but one that is not in the name of heaven, in the end will not endure.

Which is the [kind of] controversy that is in the name of heaven? Such as was the controversy between Hillel and Shammai; and which is the [kind of] controversy that is not in the name of heaven? Such as was the controversy of Korach and all his congregation.

Your Mishna Navigator

1. The Mishna defines what is considered a controversy that is in the name of heaven by saying Hillel and Shammai exemplify this principle.
2. Take your Bronfman Bibles and look up Numbers (Bamidbar) Chapter 16. This is the Korach controversy. Why is this challenge not "in the name of heaven"?
3. Why is it considered a good thing that certain disputes endure?
4. Would it not be better for these disagreements to be reconciled?

A Word

We are not pleased that never-ending controversies exist, but if they exist for the sake of heaven then it is believed that each opinion has merit. Therefore each opinion will be sustained in the end.

We are taught that intent is just as important as talent. For words of Torah to last, it is not enough to be brilliant. One must also be pure.