18 Elul 5785/September 11, 2025

Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker

Sometimes Rabbinic debates get really dark. In one of the more humbling, profound, and challenging debates, Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai argue about whether or not God should have created people (Eruvin 13b). They argued for two and a half years over the merits and failings of humanity! Stop… Pause… What would your arguments be in favor? Against? 

And the side that wins out: it would have been better for us not to exist. Take that in for a moment. Whether you are surprised or not, whether you agree or not – what a devastating conclusion! 

The conversation continues with the understanding that we obviously do exist – so now what? In good Jewish fashion, our Rabbis offer two answers. The first is to closely examine our past actions. The second is to carefully consider our intentions and values. These complementary ideas speak to major aspects of the Yamim Noraim/Days of Awe. 

Let’s say we take this teaching to heart. God’s creation would have been better if there were no human beings. Collectively, we give in to our yetzer hatov/evil inclination too often and the whole world feels the consequences. And because we have been given this gift of life – because we are here… can we make our ancient Rabbis reconsider? Can I, can we, live our lives so that we are worthy of having been created? 

We won’t be perfect – we will fall short. And striving for “yes” – that’s our sacred struggle.