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Dear RTFH Family,
In this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, from the book of Numbers, we encounter a well known situation. Moses, in a fit of frustration, strikes a rock to make water flow from it. God had told him to speak to the rock. We are all challenged like Moses was. When we mean to talk rationally and reasonable, we end up angry or harsh or even cruel.
Rabbi Levi Isaac of Beredichev, 17th century Chasidic teacher says:
“There are two types of talking. One makes use of kind, understanding words, uplifting others by reminding them that they are created in God’s image and that their good deeds bring God much pleasure…When criticism is given, it does not tear a person down, but strengthens the will of the people to accept and fulfill the commandments of Torah.
“The second kind of criticism is harsh. It demeans people, makes them feel bad about themselves, and means to shame them into fulfilling the commandments of Torah.”
We live in a world where the second kind of criticism is used every day by our politicians and news media, and sometimes even our family and friends. We become the angry Moses hitting the rock. Let us, even in these hot summer days, speak with kindness and strengthen others with our words – and in doing so, strengthen ourselves and the world.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Mark
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