Parshas Korach
RABBEINU TAM
“Both these and those are the words of the living G-d”
A timeless teaching from Rabbeinu Tam and the Tefillin
Today we observe the yahrzeit of Rabbeinu Tam, of blessed memory, one of the greatest Ba’alei HaTosafot and among the foremost scholars of medieval Jewry. His name is associated with one of the most well-known halachic debates—the question of the order of the passages in the tefillin.
A fascinating tradition on this topic is recorded by Rabbeinu Yaakov of Marvege, of blessed memory, author of the work She’elot u’Teshuvot Min HaShamayim (“Responsa from Heaven”). He was known for formulating difficult halachic questions before going to sleep and asking Heaven for an answer. In his dreams, he reported that responses were revealed to him from above.
One day, he asked about the famous dispute between the tefillin according to Rashi’s opinion and those according to the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam. The answer he received was as surprising as it was profound:
“Both these and those are the words of the living G-d. Just as there is a dispute below, so too there is a dispute above. The Holy One, blessed be He, says that the havayot should be placed in the middle, while the Heavenly Court says they should remain in their usual order.”
According to this heavenly response, the view of Rabbeinu Tam corresponds to the will of Hashem Himself, while the view of Rashi is represented by the Heavenly Court. Both opinions thus have a celestial foundation and are recognized as legitimate expressions of divine truth.
More than a halachic dispute
This statement opens a remarkable window into the nature of Torah. People often tend to see every disagreement as a battle between right and wrong. Yet the heavenly response teaches otherwise: not every dispute is meant to produce a single winner.
Some debates instead reveal the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom.
If even in the heavenly realms different perspectives can coexist, this demonstrates that the truth of Torah is deeper and more comprehensive than the human mind can fully grasp.
Seeking the will of Hashem
Perhaps this is one of the most important lessons for every Jew. The ultimate goal is not always for everyone to hold the same opinion. Rather, the true goal is for each person to sincerely and honestly seek the will of Hashem.
The great sages of Israel did not argue for personal honor or power. Their only concern was the discovery of Torah truth. For this reason, differing opinions could coexist and both still be called “the words of the living G-d.”
A message for our time
In a world often marked by polarization and conflict, this story reminds us that true greatness is not measured by winning every argument. True greatness lies in seeking truth, maintaining humility, and recognizing that divine wisdom is greater than any single human perspective.
May we learn to pursue the will of Hashem with the same sincerity as the great sages of past generations. May we develop the ability to respect differing viewpoints and always keep the honor of Heaven before our eyes.
And may we merit to live lives of truth and integrity—until Hashem Himself approves our actions.
In memory of the yahrzeit of Rabbeinu Tam, of blessed memory.
