Does it help a husband and wife to decide not to argue? Or, in the long run, is it better that they agree to disagree?
So substitute “God and Israel” for “husband and wife.”
In Vayera we are told that Abraham’s first meaningful encounter as a Hebrew with God was to question Him, to disagree with God’s decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorah. That first encounter sends a clear message — creates a pattern for us to absorb
Usually, God disagrees with humanity’s errant decisions. But the very first Jew took the opposite tack. That’s how things started between us. Not the best way to begin a perpetual relationship!
If the challenge is honest, motivated by selflessness, it is actually wrong to agree. Abraham had nothing to gain by confronting the Divine decision, yet he did it.
Clearly, it worked! The connection between us, Abraham’s descendants, and God is powerful and enduring. When we delve deeply into God’s words — in other words, study Torah — and allow debate, discussion and dialogue, it’s a win-win situation. The parasha makes it clear that God yielded to Abraham’s challenges — more than once — and responded to them.
The message is clear. Go and find God, then take the time to know His intent and ask a million questions. But the point is: engage God, struggle with His commandments in the face of the values of contemporary society. Thus, you will be meaningfully connected with the Divine for the rest of your life.
