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I appreciate the responses that I got to my question, both those that
appeared on the list, and those that I received off-list. Even accepting
the importance of placing the story in context, it has to be difficult to
teach children the nuance of an "Aveira Lishma". Remember that these
stories are often taught to first or second graders, most of whom haven=92t
climbed that high on Kohlberg's scale of moral development.
One person who responded to me pointed out a Sfat Emet at the beginning of
the Parsha that actually says we can learn from here that when searching
for real truth one can make use of deception, and that in this world of
falsehood that is often the preferred path. I would appreciate a clear
explanation of that position, and recommendations as to when (and if) such
an assertion should be raised in the classroom.
My thanks,
Sasson Gabbai
[A fascinating article that appeared in the most recent Torah U'Maddah
Journal entitled "Facing the Truths of History" by Rabbi J.J. Schacter
deals with truth and falsehood in the contemporary Orthodox world. It is
worthwhile reading while grappling with some of the issues raised in this
discussion. Shalom]</HTML>
