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The dispute
Rabbi Eliezer offered them many proofs, but all were rejectedHe told them: "If my interpretation is correct, this carob tree will walk." And the carob tree walked from where it was rooted: it walked 100 cubits; some say it walked 400 cubits. And they replied: "A walking carob tree proves nothing"
So he told them: "If my interpretation is correct, this brook will flow uphill." Then the brook began to flow uphill. They replied: "But what could a brook prove by flowing uphill?"
Then he told them: "If my interpretation is correct, the walls of the school will fall." The walls began to lean. But Rabbi Joshua complained to them: "When scholars argue the law, it is wrong for the schoolhouse walls to interfere." To honor Rabbi Joshua, the walls leaned no further, but to honor Rabbi Eliezer they continued to lean; and even today they lean without falling
Again Rabbi Eliezer said to them: "If my interpretation is correct, Heaven itself will tell you!" And a Heavenly Voice cried: "How could you argue with Rabbi Eliezer, when his interpretation is correct in every way!" But Rabbi Joshua stood to say: "Heaven cannot prove this"
What did he mean? Rabbi Jeremiah said: "We must pay no attention even to a Heavenly Voice but must heed the majority"
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