(1) In the mussaf of the shalosh regalim we find ourselves almost like in ‘tisha b’av mode’ when we say the words, “Because of our sins we have been exiled from our land.” Where else do find this reference? In Parshas Nitzavim[1] it says, “And He cast [removed] them (וַיַּשְׁלִכֵם) into another land. If you look in the Chumash, you will see that there is an enlarged lamed in the word of וַיַּשְׁלִכֵם. The large lamed indicates to the Jews that the LENGTH of the GOLUS depends on THEM, for it will not end until it’s lesson is learned.[2] The Chofeitz Chayim zt”l, said, “We can learn about the end of our exile from what happened at the end of our exile in Egypt.”[3]
What triggered the Egyptian exile? Yoseif’s brothers sold him into slavery,[4] and then “dipped” his coat (the “coat of many colors”) into animal’s blood to make their father Yaakov believe that Yosef had been killed.[5] What caused our salvation from Egypt? The Chasam Sofer says, “When the Jews were crying out because of the burden of the Egyptian enslavement, each one heard the groans of the other and felt his pain. In reward for their empathy and caring (Ahavas Yisrael), Hashem also heard their cries and redeemed them from their plight.”[6]
The Zohar says that ADaM stands for: A - adam, the human being, D - dibur, his power of speech, M - ma’aseh, his power of action.[7] In the shabbos davening kedusha we say - with our speech, “From Your place, our King, may You appear and reign over us, for we await You.” Then we ask, “When will You reign in Tzion?” Before we answer this question, we have to investigate, “What was the original cause that Hashem established for us a weeping for generations? (I.e. we mourn the destruction of the Beis HaMikdosh on ninth of Av).
The posuk says, “It was when the spies came back and reported to Bnei Yisrael that the land devours its inhabitants,”[8] they were in effect speaking Loshon Hora about Hashem – they questioned His ability or willingness to fulfill His promise.[9] After we accepted the evil report from the spies, we raised and gave our voices [i.e. we wept on that night]...[10]
Let us revert to the question, “When will You (Hashem - Your Divine Presence) reside (again) in Tzion?” We have been asking this question for a very long time [approximately 1,944 years – C.E.]. Is there an answer provided for it? The Chofeitz Chayim (Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan) tell us openly in his sefer,[11] what caused our exile - that we are currently in today - is due to Loshon Hora, which is the source of much hatred, disputes, and even bloodshed.
The Gemara,[12] tell us “After the Beis HaMikdosh was destroyed, ‘There is none who seeks and none who searches for Tzion.’”[13] Meaning, when we are going through pain in exile and we ask aloud, “Ad Mosai, until when?!”[14] (i.e. how long will these tragedies continue going on for?) However, if we look in Avos[15] it states, “If not NOW, then When?!” Perhaps Hashem is telling us the following message, “If you were really concerned enough about Tzion (i.e. seeking or searching for the root of its destruction) you would do something about it. If you are not, when will you show Me in your actions, that you are DOING SOMETHING to rectify - the sin of Loshon Hora - which ultimately caused its destruction?!”[16] (i.e. the second Beis HaMikdosh)
Does Hashem have to cause more tragedies to ‘force us’ to return to Him?! Why are we so inflexible in refusing to heed to the words of the Chofeitz Chayim? Do we think that by ignoring his advice we will find some other means that will lead to an improvement in our situation?[17] Don’t we realize that “from the day that the Beis HaMikdosh was destroyed, there has been no day without its curse?!”[18] As our Sages have told us, “Any generation in which the Beis HaMikdosh is not rebuilt is considered as if they had destroyed it.”[19] The previous generations had the ABILITY, and should have RESPONDED to rectifying this sin (i.e. Loshon Hora), but they did not take care of this RESPONSIBILITY.
One thing that our Father in heaven ‘cannot tolerate’ in exile, is when we speak Loshon Hora, [For then] “I (Hashem) and he cannot dwell together in the world[20] - he causes My Divine Presence (i.e. My protection that I provide you with) - to depart from this world!!!”[21] After Hashem destroyed His First Beis HaMikdosh, His Schechinah traveled ten journeys... “From the courtyard wall to the city of Yerushalayim... and then, from the wilderness It ascended to Heaven and settled in Its Place, as it is stated: ‘I will go, I will return to My Place.’”[22]
So why have we not done anything to reverse our nation’s past? The answer lies within the spies report to Bnei Yisrael, “...We appeared in our eyes like grasshoppers and so we must have been in theirs![23]” They didn’t say they were weaker, rather they said they felt weaker. Their mindset was, “We can’t. We are not strong enough, so then we must not be.”[24] (i.e. we do not have the ability to carry out this task). Hashem told them, “Who gave you the right to say you can’t?! I am saying you can!”[25] (i.e. you have the ability to surmount this task!)[26]
The ‘disease’ that the spies injected into the ‘heart’ of Bnei Yisrael was the attitudes of, “I can’t (i.e. who am I?) I’ll never be able to accomplish this specific task and why do I even need to put in the effort?” Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “…The only thing we have to fear is... fear itself.”[27] Had he been alive today he might have added another quote, “The only thing we have to Fear is... Not having self-confidence (believing) in oneself. Doubting one’s abilities of what he can accomplish.”
The Chofeitz Chayim says, “Until we rectify the evil of Loshon Hora, we will not be deemed worthy of redemption.”[28] He is telling us that in order for Geulah to happen, hishtadlus is necessary (i.e. batteries are required). Our only failure is, not TRYING.
So what is the solution? The Chofeitz Chayim tells us,[29] “A single congregation (of a shul) which is meticulous in maintaining sholom amongst their community can merit bringing the Moshiach. Thus, the coming of the Moshiach is in our hands!… In addition, “A community’s repentance has the power to tear up an evil decree that has already been issued against it.[30]
During the American Revolution War, the first people to fight were called Minuteman. Minutemen underwent additional training and held themselves ready to turn out rapidly (“at a minute’s notice”) for emergencies, hence their name. They and Paul Revere was among those who spread the news that the British Regulars (soldiers) were coming out from Boston.[31]
Just like the minutemen were ready at minute’s notice, so too, “…Only through zealousness[32] in avoiding Sinas Chinam,[33] hatred for no good reason and Loshon Hora (which are both interconnected) can we obtain true peace. Every person who will strive to correct these (two) sins will have a share in the building of the Third Beis HaMikdosh, for without such people the Beis HaMikdosh would remain destroyed forever, Heaven forbid,” concludes the Chofeitz Chayim.[34]
Still, some may be thinking, “I can’t get my entire community to maintain sholom.” You are right, “No one can do everything but everyone can do something.” However, the more people who are united in serving G-d, the more effective are their actions.[35] As Helen Keller said, “ALONE we can do so little, TOGETHER we can do SO MUCH.” In addition, the Gemara[36] informs us, “All Jews are responsible for one another.” We must be ACTIVE, take INITIATIVE and most importantly, DO SOMETHING for our NATION! As Rav Pinchos of Koretz said, “Every person may change the course of history; it is in the power (i.e. responsibility) of each individual to shorten the exile.”
So what is the plan? The Chofeitz Chayim lays it out for us, “The most effective method of avoiding Loshon Hora is not just through a mere mental commitment, but rather through fixing a time each day, be short or long, for the study of the laws and mussar of proper speech.[37] Through (learning) Shemiras HaLoshon one is blessed with the precious quality of sholom.[38] What is the advantage of having sholom? Sholom, is the vessel for blessing.”[39]
Besides designating time each day to learn two halachos of Shemiras HaLoshon, I would suggest that one should learn two halachos of Shemiras HaLoshon at his Shabbos table during each meal. As the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva[40] said, “There is no family that has taken on the daily learning of Shemiras HaLoshon that has not seen salvation whether for health, shiddduchim or children. It always helps in some way.” Slowly and maturely, after doing this for a few days, weeks or even a month, you will be an entirely new person with a more positive attitude towards life! As the Sefer HaChinuch[41] states, “A person is fashioned by his deeds.” As the Rambam[42] says, “Accustom yourselves to habitual goodness, for habit and character are closely interwoven. Habit (as it were) becomes second Nature.”
In Parshas Nitzavim[43] Hashem says to us, “I have placed life and death before you... and you shall choose life.” The posuk is stating a very clear message, “Do we want Golus or Geulah? Do we want to mourn our failures as a nation again this year? Do we want to be declared in heaven, “Klal Yisrael in the year 5774 destroyed the Beis HaMikdosh?”[44] If we do not, all we need to do is recall that historical moment where, “Moshe stood at the gateway... and said (those famous words), ‘Whoever is for Hashem, join me!’”[45] (i.e. who is willing to fight for kavod shamayim and bring unity to Hashem’s Name?!) What happened? Only the Levi’im gathered around him.[46] WE must also stand up together and gather as a united community, to do the Will of our Father in heaven!
The clock is ticking down. Today, we must make a resolution - from Tammuz through Av - to commit ourselves to learn two halachos a day of Shemiras HaLoshon. By doing this, we are making a statement to our Father in heaven, “I am doing something to reverse the error that our ancestors (i.e. the spies) did!” This will also help us in the area of bein adam l’chaveiro[47] and personify the trait, of that which Aharon HaKohein excelled in. As the Gemara[48] says, “Aharon loved sholom, pursued sholom, and made sholom, between one man and another.” Is it coincidental that Aharon passed away on Aleph Av? [49] He unified people with our One Father in heaven! If we make it our priority to purify our speech, Hashem will give us His assistance.[50] All Hashem requires of us is that we take the first step, as in, “Open for Me a tiny opening of teshuvah (return back to Me) and I will open for you openings through which wagons can pass.”[51]
In this merit, Hashem - our Father in heaven - should hear our outcry and fulfill the words of Dovid HaMelech,[52] “You will arise and show Tzion mercy, for it will be the time to favor her, for the appointed time (i.e. the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdosh) will have come,” and the City of Tzion will be – filled again - with people singing a new song...”
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[1] Devarim 29:27.
[2] The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet by Rabbi Michael L. Munk zt”l, page 140
[3] Quoted in Redemption Unfolding by Rabbi A. A. Mandelbaum
[4] Which caused the Jewish people to suffer over a millennia (Yalkut Shimoni, Mishlei I)
[5] Bereishis 37:31; See Matnas Chayim al Moadim by Rav Matisyahu Solomon, page 281
[6] See Chasam Sofer on the Torah, Parshas Shemos 6:5
[7] The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet by Rabbi Michael L. Munk zt”l, page 48
[8] Bemidbar 13:32
[9] See The Power of Speech by Yehuda Cahn, page 83; Sotah 34b
[10] Sotah 35a
[11] See Pesicha to Sefer Chofeitz Chayim and Guard Your Tongue by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, page 8
[12] Sotah 49a. This is referring to what it says in Yechezkel, “My sheep (Israel) have scattered all over the earth...” (34:6)
[13] Rosh Hashanah 30a
[14] The words, “Ad Mosai” were originally asked by Hashem Himself (See Bemidbar 14:27)
[15] 1:14
[16] See Yoma 9b
[17] Explanation to the posuk cited in Yeshayah 6:10
[18] Sotah 48a
[19] Yerushalmi Yoma 1:1
[20] Arachin 15b
[21] Shemiras HaLoshon, Shaar HaZechirah, chapter 4. As the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 6:14) puts it: The Holy One, Blessed is He, said, “In this world, because there were speakers of Loshon Hora among you, I removed My Presence from among you (i.e. I withdrew My presence to heaven and My protection leaves!!!
[22] Rosh Hashanah 31a
[23] Bemidbar 13:33
[24] Go to aish.com, type: “Tisha B’Av: The Root of Destruction”
[25] See footnote 24
[26] Perhaps this is the source of Rav Tzadok HaKohein of Lublin (Tzidkas Hatzadik 154), “Just as one must believe in Hashem, so too, one must believe in himself.” Hashem wants us to BELIEVE in our strengths, our capabilities, and in our ability to overcome evil and achieve greatness. (Go to aish.com, type: “Take The Shot”)
[27] Go to wikipedia.org, type: “First inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.”
[28] See footnote 11
[29] See Shemiras HaLoshon 2:7, where he elaborates on Yoma 9b
[30] Rosh Hashanah 17b. The Medrash Tanchuma (Netzavim 1) teaches, for example, that the Jewish people are like a bundle of reeds: A single reed can be broken even by a child, whereas a bundle of reeds cannot be broken even by an adult. Although each individual may be unworthy of a certain spiritual level, together they are worthy of that level.
[31] Go to wikipedia.org, type: “Minutemen
[32] See Pesachim 4a
[33] See Artscroll Yoma 9b, footnote 18
[34] See footnotes 29 or 33
[35] See Rashi; Sifra on Vayikra 26:8 “chamisha me’ah”
[36] Shevuos 39a
[37] Chovas HaShmirah, chapter 3. For the Mishnah Berurah states, “If one does not learn several hours a day, it is proper for one’s primary study to be in halacha l’ma’aseh.” (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 155). For the Gemara says, “Whoever learns (two) halachos (a day) is assured that he is destined for the World to Come”… (Megillah 28b). Nevertheless, “Whoever wants to get Olam Haba cheaply, guard your tongue from evil...” (Chida in Maris H’Ayin to Avodah Zarah 19b)
[38] Sefer Shemiras HaLoshon, Shaar HaZechirah, chapter 11 “od yeish ma’lah”
[39] Uktzin 3:12
[40] HaRav Yehudah Zev Segal, zt”l - Founder of Shemiras HaLoshon Yomi
[41] Parshas Bo, Mitzvah #16
[42] Rambam, Hilchos De’os 1:2 or 1:7. See also Hebrew Ethical Wills by Israel Abrahams, Volume I, chapter 5 - “Shaarei HaMussar”, page 105.
[43] 30:18
[44] See footnote 19
[45] Shemos 32:26
[46] Ibid
[47] See Shemiras HaLoshon, Shaar HaZechirah, chapter 1
[48] Sanhedrin 6b
[49] Bamidbar 33:38; See Amazing Facts and Feats by Nattan Hurvitz and Aharon Yosef Hoffman, page 12
[50] Yoma 38b
[51] Shir HaShirim 5:3
[52] Tehillim 102:14