Our pages this week discussed such mundane and disgusting topics as urination, defecation and sexual emissions yet also discussed the serious issue of leadership. A few of these pages are devoted to the practical reality in which the people lived - namely, filth was all around and people themselves are filthy. But the Torah and prayer by which we attempt to communicate with God are sacred and pure. How can we participate in holy tasks when we ourselves might be "dirty" - both literally and figuratively? Though it may be surprising to read about these topics in such graphic detail, it is quite amazing that the rabbis were willing to tackle them without embarrassment and with tremendous seriousness. The rabbis conclude that we have to do everything we can to distance ourselves from places of filth when we pray; that we have to ensure that we have answered the call of nature before we pray; that we may not bring items of holiness (tefillin and Torah scroll) into the outhouse; and we must cover up our nakedness when we pray. All this seems obvious to us who are used to being in sanitary environments but it highlights for us the kind of world our ancestors lived in - a world in which filth and trash were all around.
There were also a couple of pages devoted to a leadership struggle in the Sanhedrin - the great rabbinic academy. While discussing whether the evening service is obligatory or not, the rabbis are reminded of the debate between Rabbi Joshua (who said no) and Rabban Gamliel (who said yes). Rabban Gamliel insisted that Rabbi Joshua admit that it was he who disagreed and he forced Rabbi Joshua to stand throughout that interrogation and debate. The rabbis were so troubled by that, that they voted to remove Gamliel from his position. They installed 18 year old Rabbi Eliezer (who had wealth, knowledge and pedigree!) in his place and miraculously 18 rows of his hair turned white to lend him gravitas. Gamliel visited Joshua to ask forgiveness and learned of Joshua's poverty and his lowly, dirty job. Joshua responded, "woe to the generation that you are the leader, that you don't know what your students are doing!" Joshua finally forgave Gamliel and Gamilel was restored to his position.
From this story we learn that rabbis cannot stand on ceremony - the Torah they teach should lead them to be humble and patient.
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