Parshas Emor (5760)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The name of the Parsha always has special significance and meaning. For this parsha we don’t have to dig – “Emor” speech, inspiration to be conscientious and aware of the words that emerge from our mouths. In the Medrash we find the Chazal elaborate on this theme. The reinforcement of our values in this area is especially significant in this point of time that we are presently living through. Our civilization as fallen to the depths. The true values of the Torah place decent speech in the highest of priority. Throughout the history of mankind the world at large had a sensitivity and conscientiousness regarding speech. And the Torah placed on us a crown of glory above the high standards of mankind– a special high level sophistication in being ultra discreet in our choice of words. I recall from my youth our Rebbes informed us that our language is called Lashon HaKodesh since there isn’t a specific noun for our reproductive organs. The level attained was so high that even in ordinary speech there was an attempt to always verbalize in a positive manner; “not good” instead of “bad”, “not pure” instead of “tamai”. To the contrast the coarse, vulgar, depraved use of vocabulary that is prevalent in our world today. To say nothing of the verbal arsenal of devastating, destructive remarks, comments and general manner of communication.
The importance of the right speech is twofold. Firstly, it is an end in itself. This is how Hashem wants us to communicate—it is of the highest priority. Secondly, the selection of our vocabulary has a profound influence and effect on our whole being.
Let our Parsha be an inspiration to return to the true values, the Torah values of speech and bring with it all the splendid blessings of “Ashreichem V’Tov Lach”.