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The Perils of Lashon Ha'Ra - contrasting tales of rebellion in three consecutive portions

08/06/2021 09:45:44 AM

Jun8

Dear Congregational Family,

The people of Israel are not perfect. In the Torah, we worshipped a golden calf, and God forgave us. In last week's Parsha of B'haalotcha,  we complained about the lack of luxury in the wilderness - we even rebelled, and God forgave us. In the coming week's portion of Korach, while the mutineers are punished, the people as a whole are forgiven by God.

When do we see God punishing and not immediately forgiving? When one kind of offense takes place - Lashon Ha'Ra, simply put, evil speech.

Last week's portion of b'haalotcha concluded with the Lashon Ha'Ra perpetrated by Miriam against her brother, and she was immediately punished by God. Only with the intervention of Moses and a week of quarantine did the punishment end.

In this past week's portion of Shlach, the people complain and rebel. They are punished by having to wander an additional 38 years in the desert. Why is there punishment here but not in other Biblical scenarios? Because the revolting comes as the result of Lashon Ha'Ra. Ten of the tribal chieftains, upon returning from their scouting of Israel, produce a false narrative to the people. The Torah clearly says, "They brought forth to the Children of Israel an evil report on the land (13:32)."

Divine punishment comes as a result of false and hateful speech. No wonder the daily Amidah is prefaced and concluded with words about how we use our lips. No wonder that most of the Al Chet list on Yom Kippur focuses on different kinds of improper speech.

The Torah details the Lashon Ha'Ra of one person, Miriam, in last week's Parsha. The Torah details the Lashon Ha'Ra of a group of people, the ten chieftains, who spoke against the promised land to their own nation.  Nowadays, we witness  the perils of Lashon Ha'Ra as a world at large speaks Lashon Ha'Ra against Israel and the Jewish people.

Take note that while God forgives most wrongdoings in the Torah, Lashon Ha'Ra stands out as something that must be corrected. If not, false hateful speech is so evil that God acts out in response.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Thu, 28 March 2024 18 Adar II 5784