Be Cherubic When You Argue

In Parshat Terumah we are told about the construction of the Aron, including the Keruvim. We learn two seemingly contradictory things about the positioning of the Keruvim (25:20) One, that the Keruvim would be facing each other; and second, that the keruvim would be looking down towards the top of the Aron. Which one was it? Were the Keruvim looking at each other or were they looking down? Rabbi Nosson Adler explained that these two depictions are not contradictory: the Keruvim were facing towards each other, but both Keruvim were looking downwards. Rabbi Adler says that the posture of the Keruvim teaches us lessons on how two Jews should argue. First we must never turn our backs on each other, even when we profoundly disagree. The way to do that is by seeking the common ground. When we are talking about disagreements in Jewish life or in Jewish practice, our common ground is represented by the Torah. Both sides of the argument can be passionately be committed to the Jewish community and believe in the importance of Halacha/ Mesora/ (fill in the blank) and yet come to different conclusions. The same can be said concerning disagreements in American or Israeli politics. We can disagree with others without leveling ad hominem attacks, and while not being disagreeable.