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Shabbat starts on Friday at 4:51pm and ends on Saturday at 5:54pm. The weekly Torah portion is Korach.

Mincha continues at 1pm at A-P GF/459 Collins Mon-Wed, and Thu 1.45pm at L1 Capital using the WhatsApp group to confirm numbers..

Weekly sushi & shiur continues on Wed at 1.10pm (after mincha) at A-P GF/459 Collins – and via zoom. Current topic: fencing law. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.

Thought of the Week with thanks to David Prins.

We learn in Pirkei Avot (ethical teachings) that there are two types of arguments. One type of argument is praiseworthy “in the name of heaven”, and an example is the argumentation between the great Talmudic sages Hillel and Shammai. At the opposite end of the scale sit the discredited and contemptible arguments of Korach and his followers which we read about in this week’s Torah reading.

What distinguishes the two types? Hillel and Shammai argued respectfully in order to increase understanding and learning, to ascertain truth.

Korach and his followers argued disrespectfully and in order to pursue honour for themselves and to put down others, rather than for any societal good.

The lesson is not to avoid argument. Respectful argument advances knowledge. Challenging assumptions leads to invention and discovery. Argument is good for society, but only if conducted for selfless reasons and with deference. Next time you find people arguing, don’t tell them to stop arguing. Rather tell them to reframe their argument to be purposeful and courteous to achieve societal benefits.