Have you ever muttered under your breath at someone who cut you off in traffic? Or maybe whispered a not-so-nice comment about someone after they left the room? We’ve all been there. But there’s a fascinating verse in Leviticus that made me think twice about these moments.
In Leviticus 19:14, we find what seems like an oddly specific command: “You shall not curse a deaf person.” At first glance, this might strike us as strange. Of course we shouldn’t curse anyone, deaf or hearing! So why single out those who cannot hear?
The great Jewish sage, Maimonides offers an insight that speaks directly to our hearts. He suggests that this verse isn’t just about protecting deaf people – it’s about understanding something fundamental about our own character development.
You see, we often justify our negative behavior by thinking, “Well, no one heard it, so what’s the harm?” We might feel it’s okay to let loose with angry words or harsh judgments as long as the target of our frustration isn’t around to hear them. After all, if a tree falls in the forest and no one’s there to hear it…
But G-d’s wisdom runs deeper. By specifically mentioning those who cannot hear, the Bible is teaching us that the impact of our words isn’t just about their effect on others – it’s about their effect on us. Every time we choose anger over patience, cursing over blessing, we chip away at our own character. We become a little less like the person G-d created us to be.
The good news is that this works both ways. Every time we choose to respond with grace instead of anger, with blessing instead of cursing, we’re not just affecting those around us – we’re transforming ourselves. We’re building spiritual muscles that make it easier to respond with love the next time we’re tested.
So the next time you’re tempted to mutter under your breath or curse someone who can’t hear you, remember: the real question isn’t whether they can hear your words – it’s whether you want to be the kind of person who speaks them.
I wish you a good week, and Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger
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