February 6, 2017

10 Sh'vat 5777

Dear Friends,

Is it ever OK to lie?  If so, when?

Consider joining us tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:45 pm, for the final session of our Ethical Life course. Our topic will be The Ethics of Lying.  

You may be thinking:  "What's there to talk about?"  After all, isn't it obvious that truth is highly esteemed in our tradition? I spoke about the immense importance of truth in our tradition in my Shabbat morning sermon a few weeks ago.  Entitled, "Liar, Liar," you can access it here.

But there is, in fact, a lot to talk about.  First of all, sometimes there is an ethical basis for withholding the truth or even saying something untruthful .  One such example we read about in the Torah not long ago:  When (at the beginning of the Book of Exodus) Pharaoh asks the Hebrew midwives why they failed to carry out his order to kill the Hebrew baby boys, they lie. They say that the Hebrew women give birth too quickly, and by the time the midwives arrive to help them (and to kill the baby boys), the Hebrew women and their babies are long gone.  This is a lie, and yet, in the context of the narrative, it is seen as noble.

Is it always ethical to lie for the sake of saving a life?  

When else is it OK to dispense with the truth?  Should one sacrifice truth for the sake of peace? Dignity? Any other worthy goal?

Also, in the Jewish ethical tradition, sometimes it isn't enough just to be truthful when we happen to communicate.  Sometimes we should go further than that, and say not only "nothing but the truth," but also the " whole truth."  Sometimes we have to reveal that which we would prefer to conceal - such as our intentions or feelings.  But this could be embarrassing, right?! So when do we have to do that?

Come join us tomorrow (Tuesday) evening as we explore these fascinating questions. Even if you are not registered for the class, all are welcome!

Sincerely,