Words might seem innocuous and insignificant; after all, they're just words. So why does the Torah make such a big deal out of Lashon Horah speaking badly about someone else?
The answer lies in this week's double Torah portion Taazria-Metzorah. There, we learn about the consequences of speaking Lashon Hora, a skin affliction called Tzoraas. Once diagnosed with this condition by a Kohen, the individual would have to leave the Jewish camp for a week, living in isolation as they reflected on their actions. The harshness of the punishment reflected the severity of the action. In fact, the Torah likens it to murder, not of one person but three: The teller, the listener, and the subject person. Why so serious? They're only words.
A simple review of our history is shocking; how have we survived so many attempts at annihilation? The answer is simple: our faith in Hashem and the strength of our community. Alone, facing the adversity that surrounds us, survival would be impossible, but together, we are indestructible. This explains the severity of Lashon Horah as it pulls people apart and sows disunity among our people. These negative words might seem inconsequential, but they're not; they can lead to our destruction.
As we, the Jewish people, face unique challenges today in Israel and around the world, we must recognize that united we stand and divided we fall. We might like to believe that we're all individuals and need only concern ourselves with our own well-being, but the truth is we are all interconnected, one extended family. No matter how different we might be on the surface and the unique particulars of our lives, we share a destiny. It's time we embraced each other and used our words to lift one another, strengthening the bonds that unite us and securing a bright and beautiful future for Am Yisroel.
Mission: This week, you might be tempted to speak badly about another person; before you do pause and consider the effect your words will have to either unite or divide. Choose words that connect and secure a better future for all of us.