| A Healing Tongue is a Tree of Life \ Parashat Chayei Sarah
D'var Torah: After Akeidas Yitzchak, a messenger came to tell Sarah the good news -- that her son Yitzchak was alive. First, he explained to her that HaShem had asked Avraham to offer Yitzchak as a sacrifice. Then he told her that ultimately Avraham had not sacrificed him and Yitzchak was very much alive. However, by the time the good news had a chance to take effect, the impact and shock of the initial words caused her demise. Had the messenger first assured Sarah that Yitzchak was alive, this calamity would not have occurred. Despite his good intentions, his lack of sensitivity caused Sarah's death.
Moral: "The power of life and death is in the tongue" (Mishlei). Every word we say must be weighed and delivered with sensitivity and tact, so that we spare others from undue anguish. What's more, if we speak to our friends with love and wisdom our words will imbue them with life, as King Solomon said, "A healing tongue is a tree of life." Application: Envision King Solomon speaking to people with words of love and wisdom. See how his words encourage others and stimulate them with inspiraion and hope. Reflect on your words before you speak and avoid any words that might cause pain. Speak with sensitivity so that your words foster goodness, love, and healing. (Based on Da'as Torah of Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz) We're on a search! Looking for a Shul or community to support the seminal Salant Kollel and Mussar Centre. AdoptAKollel.org makes it easy. Please contact Rabbi Zvi Miller for further information, at salantorg@gmail.com |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas HenyaZivia bas RaizelLeah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Chaya Leah bas Sara |
