CLEAN SPEECH

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is well.

This coming Shabbos we take out 3 Sifrei Torah in Shul.

I heard it stated (from Sefer Hechalot) that these are rare events, and when the Aron is opened, there is a gate in heaven which only opens up on this occasion, and it is an opportune time to make requests from Hashem!

So if possible, try be in shul for pesichah, when the 3 Sifrei Torah are taken out of the Ark.

It is interesting that the daily learning of Chumash this week (Parshah Tazria), and the daily learning of Rambam this week, have both been discussing the subject of tzaraas.

Tzaraas is basically a skin lesion, but can also occur on clothes, and on buildings, and is loosely translated as leprosy, because of it's resemblance.

Tzaraat, however, is a spiritual disease in its own right, and is not leprosy.

In our times we do not see this spiritual manifestation of tzaraas, but the Rambam in Chap 16 of the Laws of Tzaraas in Mishneh Torah, concludes the whole section as follows (in summary):

Tzaraat is not a natural occurrence. It is a sign and wonder from Hashem to warn against lashon hara (undesirable SPEECH).

A person who wishes to structure his life, should distance himself from the gatherings of fools, so as not to get caught up in the web of wickedness.

Miriam received tzaraat for a very minor excess of words about her brother Mosheh.

How much more so the foolish people who use a major excess of words..............

What set the foolish off on this path? Their tongues which were given free rein when loitering on street corners, drunk parties etc.

Again, the Rambam, but this time in Perush HaMishnayos on Pirkei Avos, mentions that there are 5 types of SPEECH:

1. Speaking as a Mitzvah (such as studying Torah)
2. Forbidden speech (like falsehood, lashon hara, unclean language)
3. Redundant speech, which brings neither benefit or harm (like discussing current events and news)
4. Commendable talk (praising positive things and noting the damaging effect of negative things)
5. Permissible speech (which is necessary for day to day living and for business)

One should try to concentrate most of his speech on that which is Mitzvah, and Commendable (1 and 4)

And minimise the rest.

Wishing everyone a Gut Shabbos, a Gut Chodesh and much brachos from Hashem!