The Power of Language
Putting aside the childhood defensive rhyme of “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” it is clear that words hold power. Especially right now, when we cannot hug someone outside our household or even shake a hand, words play a vital role in our interactions. Yet, sometimes I find myself carelessly throwing out words and saying things I wish I could take back. Does that ever happen to you?
Moses, in contrast, offers a precision and beauty of language we can all aspire to in Haazinu. He begins his poem, “listen up heavens… let the Earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teachings come down like the rain, my words as the dew.” We may not be Moses, but we can try our best to evoke the beauty of nature and be soft like early morning dew when we speak.
During these holy days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, may our words be as gentle as the dew and inspire growth like the rain.
– Rabbi Avi fine