When Korach questioned Moses’ and Aaron’s authority (Num. 16:3), even though it is possible to see his claim as a reasonable appeal for a more democratic governance, no civil discussion ensued.  His and his followers’ demand was dismissed as a raw – and dangerous – quest for power, and the troublemakers were quickly neutralized, swallowed up by the earth.

The Mishnah relates that once, Rabbi Joshua disagreed with the ruling of Rabban Gamaliel, the head of the community, regarding witnesses’ sighting of the new moon – resulting in a disagreement on the dates of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  After some soul-searching, Rabbi Joshua gave in; recognizing that disunity regarding the dates of festivals would be disastrous, he publicly affirmed Rabban Gamaliel’s ruling.  Rabban Gamaliel kissed his forehead, saying, “My master and my student! My master in wisdom, my student in that you accepted my authority.”  (Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 2:9)  That is: your position may be objectively true – but I have the power to determine what is true for the community.

And in the famous episode of Achnai’s oven, in the Talmud (Baba Metzia 59b), Rabbi Eliezer found himself a minority of one in a legal debate.  He called in divine reinforcements, performing several miracles to prove his authority.  But to no avail,........

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