Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens: Emor

This week’s Torah portion, Emor (Leviticus 21:1–24:23), offers several themes for contemplation, but one episode stands out for its striking relevance to conflict professionals: the story of the blasphemer.

The Torah Portion: Emor in Brief

Emor focuses on the sanctity of the priesthood, the rules governing festivals, and laws that define holiness. But at its conclusion, we encounter an incident of conflict that results in the first recorded case of capital punishment in the Torah for a verbal offense.

The Conflict: The Case of the Blasphemer

Emor tells the story of a man, the son of an Israelite mother and Egyptian father, who gets into a fight with an Israelite man. In the course of the argument, he curses G-d’s name. The community detains him, unsure how to proceed, and God commands Moses that the blasphemer must be put to death.

This story is jarring. The Torah moves from prescriptive, structured holiness laws into a chaotic interpersonal dispute.

Root of the Conflict

The blasphemer is identified by lineage as the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man. Rabbinic commentators note he may have been excluded from the tribal due to patrilineal descent, possibly leading to resentment and alienation. The fight was likely about belonging and legitimacy. An identity-based conflict are among the most difficult to mediate.

Applying the Lesson to Modern Conflict Resolution

As a mediator, I often deal with disputes that are not merely about the surface issue—money, contracts, or custody—but about something deeper: status, identity, and/or recognition. In this Torah story, the man’s words are violent, but they are likely the expression of a much deeper wound.

What might have happened if someone had intervened before it escalated? If the blasphemer had been heard and his grievances acknowledged, perhaps the verbal violence could have been averted. This is the space where modern mediation operates: not just managing conflict, but helping parties feel seen, heard, and validated.

Mediation Insight: Recognize the Human Behind the Words

In the courtroom, justice is often about rules. But in mediation, justice begins with understanding. The Torah’s handling of the blasphemer is a stark reminder of what happens when communities lack mechanisms to deal with underlying tensions before they boil over.

As a legal mediator, I see parallels between this ancient case and contemporary disputes. Here are three key lessons:

1. The Role of Identity in Conflict
   The blasphemer’s mixed heritage may have contributed to his alienation. In mediation, recognizing identity-based tensions is crucial. Whether in workplace disputes or family conflicts, acknowledging how background and belonging shape perspectives can foster understanding.
2. Seeking Guidance Before Acting
   Moses does not rush to judgment; he consults God. In modern mediation, this translates to gathering all perspectives before making decisions. A fair resolution requires patience and careful deliberation.
3. Proportionality in Consequences
   The Torah’s response is harsh, but it underscores the gravity of words. Today, we balance accountability with rehabilitation. Instead of punitive measures alone, mediation seeks restorative justice to help parties repair harm rather than simply punishing wrongdoing.

Emor reminds us that conflict is inevitable, but resolution is possible when we approach disputes with wisdom, fairness, and an awareness of human dignity. Whether in ancient Israel or modern courtrooms, the principles of justice remain timeless.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ari J. Sliffman

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Each week, Ari Sliffman, a Jewish legal mediator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discusses the week’s Parshah “through the lens of a mediator.” Ari focuses on one or two sections of the Parshah and discuss how a mediator could have assisted with the relevant conflict.