Disputes and Disagreements
1. The Torah forbids supporting those who incite disputes and engage in activities that increase strife and disagreement. According to some opinions, this mitzvah is derived from the Torah's statement (Bamidbar, 17:5): “Do not be like Korach and his assembly.” In addition to this prohibition, participating in disputes can lead to many other violations of the Torah.
This mitzvah applies to both men and women and is not limited by place or time.
Parents are obligated to raise their children to observe this mitzvah and must not allow them to associate with people who frequently quarrel, fight, and so on. All the more so, it is forbidden to demand that children support their parents in a quarrel with someone. If a father (or mother) does this, the children are not obligated to obey them in this matter. On the contrary, they should make every effort to reconcile their parents with the other party, thereby fulfilling what the Torah says: “Seek peace and pursue it.”
2. Disputes never lead to peace, so when people cannot resolve their disagreements on their own, they should pause and try to find a third party—someone who can arbitrate between them. If no such person can be found, they should turn to a beit din (Jewish court).
To avoid arguments and conflicts, one must behave calmly and with composure, without becoming angry or finding fault with others. Sometimes a person is simply drawn into other people's disputes, and sometimes their own yetzer hara (evil inclination) drives them into arguments.
Therefore, anyone who wants to protect themselves from arguments and angry confrontations must constantly watch their own behavior and do everything necessary to rid themselves of negative character traits.
3. The Torah states (Deuteronomy, 14:1): “Lo titgodedu.” The Sages explain that this refers to the prohibition against splitting into factions (agudot). Thus, for example, according to some opinions, a single city should not have two batei din whose sages follow different traditions, as this would lead to division and disagreement.
Others hold that the prohibition applies only when a city has just one beit din, whose responsibilities include establishing laws and customs in that region. If a group of people does not follow its directives, this constitutes a violation. As for a city with two separate batei din that follow different customs, there is no problem with this. The halachic ruling follows this opinion.