Powerful Speech

The name of this week’s Torah reading, Emor, means “speak,” highlighting the power of our words. Our Sages state: “Lashon hara (malicious gossip) kills three: the one who speaks, the one who listens, and the one who is being spoken about.” We can understand why the speaker and the listener suffer. They have committed a serious transgression. But why should the person spoken about be affected?

In resolution, the mystic sages of the Kabbalah explain that speaking about a person’s negative qualities provokes their expression. Although the person might not even be aware that he is being spoken about, the fact that his character flaws are being discussed fans the revelation of those qualities.

The converse is also true. Consistent mention of the good a person possesses — and within every person there are unfathomed reservoirs of good — will facilitate the expression of that good in the person’s conduct.

The above concepts apply with regard to all positive matters and, in particular, to the ultimate goal of our Divine service, the era of the Redemption. Constantly speaking about Mashiach and the Redemption, making it a reality in our own minds and in the minds of the people we encounter, will help it blossom into fulfillment in the world at large. 

Moshiach Now!

Candle lighting time in NYC: Friday, 7:34 PM

Shabbat Shalom!