Just as poetry and prose are two separate languages, writes Adin Steinsaltz, each appropriate to certain situations, so there is a corresponding dichotomy between the poetic and legal aspects of religion—and a lack of balance between the two can be dangerous:
The language of science is precise and well-defined, while the language of poetry is open and boundless. One can discuss the same topic in both languages, but these will be two very different discussions. For instance, a man who wants to praise his beloved’s beautiful eyes will not say that they are about an inch in size and their color is 1523 Angstrom; he might use instead an expression like “your eyes are like doves.” This is surely a much less precise description, but one that gives great pleasure to the listener. On the other hand, woe to whoever uses poetic language when intending to mend shoes or build a bridge: the shoes will not be mended, and the bridge will not be a bridge. . . .
In Judaism, these two “languages” are called halakhah and aggadah. Halakhah defines and determines right and wrong, what is permitted and what is forbidden in all aspects of our lives, ideologies, intentions, and actions. Alongside halakhah there is the world of aggadah, which deals with ideas and theologies, with our will and the things we strive for in life, with poetry, imagination, and creativity. When it comes to content, there is no contradiction between these two worlds. Quite the contrary: their contents are the same. They only use different languages. . . .
Religious leaders worldwide ought to restrain the poetic vein of their sermons, because it opens uncontrollable floodgates and is liable to become truly destructive. And instead of an occasional, feeble bleat, Islamic religious leaders must vehemently and vigorously affirm that there are rules in Islam and that the extremists among them are actually breaking Islamic law.
Both languages exist because they are both needed, but only the balance between them will ensure existence and continuity. We, as Jews, are also called upon to stress this point: poetry and prayer must be given their proper place, while keeping in mind what can and should be done today and tomorrow.
Read more on Standpoint: http://www.standpointmag.co.uk/node/6426/full