BH Parsha Tazria tells about the effects of slanderous speech (Lashon Hara) on the body of the speaker. During Biblical times, G-d caused individuals to experience the results of their own gossip; they developed lesions on their skin. The person who developed these lesions and had spoken negatively about another had to consult with a Kohen to evaluate whether the physical markings were a manifestation of spiritual impurity. If the Kohen declared it “impure,” the person was sent out of the camp in which the Israelites dwelled and went into isolation. There he had an opportunity to reflect on his misdeeds and to make new resolutions. As time went on and he noted changes in the markings on his skin, he would ask the Kohen to reevaluate. If his skin was now deemed “pure,” he went through a purification rite, immersed him/herself in mikvah and was permitted to return to his home. How do we view our fellow Jew? Rabbi Akiva says that the mitzva to “Love your fellow Jew as you love yourself” is a major concept of the Torah. We are all as part of one spiritual family and are as soul-connected siblings. G-d, the Father of the family, invested in all of us one Divine purpose. Recognizing each other’s inner connection to ourselves and respecting each person’s uniqueness brings us to an appreciation of each one of our people. If we look at ourselves as separate from each other, we have little understanding for our fellow. We can think that we are superior and that the world revolves around us. Instead of recognizing that we are connected to each other in G-d’s plan and purpose, it is possible to barely notice another person. As a result, words are uttered that diminish or demean our fellow in the eyes of other people. The Baal Shem Tov says that when we see faults in others, it is generally a projection of our own deficiencies. We need to correct those faults in ourselves instead of criticizing others. With more love, or with more connection, we can purify the temptation to speak badly about another person. Today, our spirituality is diminished so that we no longer experience outbreaks on our skin when we talk badly about another and we no longer go into isolation. But we can still reflect; we can think before we speak. We can see the faults within ourselves and work on improving them. We can think good thoughts about others. In this way, we maintain our purity and the purity of our people. Chana Rachel Schusterman Spiritual Teacher, Counselor and Public Speaker
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:12:53 +0000