The short answer
Understand that contradictory answers are normal in halacha; determine which community or posek you follow; and hold both positions respectfully rather than assuming one rabbi is simply wrong. The tradition expects you to follow a community's ruling, not to adjudicate between sages.
Why people ask this
This is the practical question every student eventually faces; the answer is about choosing a community, not declaring a winner.
Key terms
No specialized terms for this question.
Jewish perspectives
- Traditional: follow your community's posek; honor the disagreement as legitimate.
- The 'these and these' principle lets a student hold both as words worth keeping.
Scholarly & historical context
The Talmud models holding contradictory positions together; following one for practice is normal.
What is agreed upon
Contradictory answers are normal.
Where the disagreement begins
Which to follow for practice.
Practical consequences
Find your community and its posekim; let others hold theirs.
Original sources
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