CANTOR’S CORNER

Cantor Eyal Bitton shares a few thoughts on prayer and the parasha of the week.

2023-04-22 Parashat Tazria-Metzora

Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” tells the story of the Salem witch trials, in which many innocent women’s reputations were ruined and some were executed based on false accusations of being witches. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the harm they can cause.

We live in a world where words are ubiquitous, constantly flowing from our mouths and keyboards, shaping our lives and those around us. Our words have the power to uplift and inspire, to motivate and encourage, to heal and mend. However, they also have the power to harm and destroy, to tear down and demean, to wound and scar. We must seek to use our words wisely and with intention, recognizing the power they hold to either uplift or harm others.

In Parashat Tazria-Metzora, we learn about the laws of tzara’at, a skin disease that was believed to be caused by speaking ill of others. The Torah speaks to the impact of negative speech in our own lives and in society, showing how it can lead to exclusion and isolation. It teaches us to be mindful of our words, to guard our speech and use it for positive purposes.

At the conclusion of the Amidah, one of the suggested silent recitations reads “Keep my tongue from evil, my lips from deceit. Help me ignore those who would slander me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Adonai, my rock and my redeemer.” This text reminds us to use our speech for positive purposes, such that God, the ultimate moral judge, may find our words acceptable.

In “The Crucible,” Deputy Governor Danforth says, “You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just.” Even though they are innocent, they will face the ultimate punishment only because others were also executed despite being innocent – and this in the name of justice! Indeed, this is a warning that there can be devastating consequences to unchecked rumors and gossip; they can lead to a lack of justice and fairness in society.

We could all strive to speak with kindness and empathy, to lift up and encourage one another. Our words have the power to change lives, to inspire hope, and to heal wounds. Using our words for positive purposes can not only uplift others but also ourselves.

Yom Ha’atzmaut

As Yom Ha’atzmaut is just days away, I want to touch upon the message from Isaiah 66:1-24, the haftarah for Shabbat Rosh Chodesh. The restoration of Israel and the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland is a central theme in this haftarah, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of Jewish national identity. Even in the face of external forces that seek to destroy or oppress us, our national identity remains a source of strength and resilience.

Isaiah emphasizes that the true essence of God’s glory cannot be contained in a physical structure, but rather is found within the hearts and minds of the people who seek to do God’s will. This message has profound implications for community leadership, as it reminds us that true leadership is not about building grand structures or amassing power and wealth, but about inspiring and empowering people to live lives of meaning and purpose.

The power of togetherness in community is also emphasized by Isaiah. He speaks of a time when all nations will come together to worship God, and when people of all backgrounds and beliefs will find common ground in their shared commitment to peace and justice. This vision of a world united in purpose and love is one that can inspire us all, and it is especially relevant on Yom Ha’atzmaut as we celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel and the coming together of the Jewish people from all over the world.

As we reflect on Isaiah’s message, we are reminded of the importance of our shared history and traditions, and of the knowledge that we are part of a larger community that transcends borders and boundaries. Together, we can work towards a world that reflects the best of what we are capable of as human beings, a world grounded in compassion, justice, and love.