Words matter so much for Jews. Hebrew especially – it is part of what makes for authenticity in our tradition. e hear often about our world being in crisis – and indeed we have much that should concern us. But not to discount anything else – terrorism is real…. Gun violence, Zika virus, the hottest year on record yet again… all of these are very, very important.
But this also was not a good year for words. We have devolved from reasoned, thinking creatures to knee-jerk, Pavlovian responders, and the level of our language has devolved as well. We no longer understand the difference between talking and talking points. We’re communicating in dog whistles and winks. We’re jumping all over verbal gaffes that were not intended. We giggle like school kids when someone’s hacked words get exposed for all to see. We take phrases out of context. We’ve all become Amelia Bedelias, but Amelia Bedelias with a nasty streak. Let’s change the world by changing ourselves. Let’s make this the most PC place on the planet – by that I mean Perfectly Civilized.
On these days of repentance, let us inscribe each word we utter into the Book of Life. Let's aim in our use of language to be Jewishly authentic: Mekori, Nachon and Samooch - to reflect, correct and connect. Let us aim higher than ever before in how we speak. Let us aim for nothing less than perfection. Let only words of healing, love and sanctity flow from our lips.
