Perashot Matot-Masei 5778

Perashot Matot-Masei 5778

One of the greatest faculties G-d gave mankind is the power of speech. G-d created man in his image, and thus, man possesses tremendous capabilities to affect change in the world. Because speech stems from the spiritual realm of a person, by emulating the way of Hashem through the gift of language, it is possible for man to create a new reality of kedusha, holiness, or issur, prohibition.

The beginning of Perashat Matot introduces the concept of man creating new halakhic status, an ability previously reserved for G-d, through speech. The perasha explains that when man makes a neder, a vow, whether upon himself or others, he creates a commandment equivalent to a commandment from the Torah. A transgression against this self imposed covenant would result in penalties. The passuk says, "...he shall not desecrate his word; according to whatever comes from his mouth shall he do" (Bamidbar 30:3). It is because a Jew's words are so sacred that his or her vows are binding, and the Torah considers violating them a grievous desecration.

Even if one vows not to derive benefit from an object, or sanctifies an object for sole use in the Mikdash, the individual's vow changes the object's disposition. The object can no longer be used for personal benefit, even if permissible by the Torah. 
If speech can actualize objects, then certainly it creates a deep impression on the person who utters them and even influences future events. Our sages maintained that "One must never open his mouth to the Satan" (Gemara Berachot 19a). One must not leave room for, or raise the possibility of, disaster or evil. We should be wary of using our speech to produce the opportunity for evil influences to discredit our positive efforts. One who sullies his mouth with vulgarity or lashon hara and then goes to pray is equal to a person who serves the king an expensive gift atop a muddied platter. One may question the value of the offering.

Furthermore, a person's words can have an unfathomable effect on the spiritual realm of creation. The prophet Amos said, "For behold, He forms mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what his speech is" (Amos 4:13). The Nefesh HaHayim wrote that a person who is in this physical world cannot see or fathom what his words can build or what can be destroyed in the upper realms through his speech. He continues to say that with every berakha, prayer or debar Torah, holy angels are being created. If harmful speech is used, destructive angels appear. It is said that when it is time for one to account his actions to Hashem after 120 years, Hashem will tell him what his speech caused in the upper worlds.

A person who is aware of the power of his speech, and the great influence he has on life in this world and beyond, will be extremely careful of speaking negatively. He will wisely use his mouth only for good, such as words of Torah and prayer, words of encouragement to the broken hearted and words of gratitude for those who surround him. Praised is the lot of such a person in this world and in the next.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mimoun Miller