Art by Sefira Lightstone
Judaism does not believe in freedom of speech, there are certain ways of saying something. When we speak about other people, kabbalah teaches us that speech itself has an affect beyond the way in which we say something to one another.
The Torah prohibits speaking Lashon hara, even listening has a negative impact, and not only to the person who make themselves guilty of Lashon hara - it affects the person spoken about as well, even if the he/she did not hear it. Words matter!
Chazal teaches us to judge every Jew favorably, trying to understand them, -Walk a mile in their shoes.
HaShem created the world with words, and he has given us the power to create or destroy relationships with words. We often learn about Lashon hara, but not so much about Lashon tov. If it is a transgression to speak bad about other Jews, then it's a mitzvah to speak good about them.
So, if Lashon hara is meant to break someone, Lashon Tov is meant to built someone up, but there is a hidden truth about the power of Lashon hara;
The Rambam says; Whoever speaks good about his neighbour in the presence of his enemy, he is guilty of a form of Lashon hara, since this will provoke the enemy to speak badly about him.
The issue is not whether the praises are moderate or excessive, but in what context they are delivered.
Lashon Tov follows the mitzvah " Love your fellow Jew," seeing the good in one another and telling them is a way of helping them grow. As much as we praise HaShem, we should also praise our fellow Jew.
The first of The Thirteen Tenets of faith is; I believe with complete emunah that HaShem- ב"ה- is the creator and ruler of all creations, and He alone did, does, and will do every single deed.
Everything what happens in the world all comes from HaShem. The light of HaShem is Divine in goodness and spiritual guidance. This Light is often hidden, accourding to The Zohar. The original Light created on the first day was hidden from the future, representing pure goodness without strict justice.
HaShem has given us Divine guidance in finding Him in all aspects of life, especially during challenging times. We too, have this light, an internal light, our potential, joy and connection to HaShem, through learning Torah and teaching all we know to others. By performing mitzvos, all of them, with simcha.
Light is needed for our survival. Without it the world would be a dark place where nothing can exist. When we shine our light, it illuminates the world, like light that comes from one source and lights up another object. This light was given us at Har Sinai. The light of Torah is giving us insight, wisdom and a guidance everywhere we go, while at home, at work, in Shul and in all we do and wherever we are.
The Menorah symbolizes the Jewish people and it's mission to be " A Light unto the nations. "
Every word of Torah shares the same source as the word Ora- Light. The words of Torah shine a light on life and is a light unto our path.
When we are feeling overwelhelmed by negative influences, anxiety by the challenges we face, we can find purpose in all our feeling. Increase our inner light and shine!
The oneness of the Jewish people is the work of one G-d, HaShem. When we are making an effort to be a unity- as the Torah tells us- we have to take our responsibility for one another. " As long as we are united, nothing will stop us from reaching our goal "- Bereshis 11: 6
The spark from within will turn into a flame when we are working together to serve HaShem, to be part of His plan we need to be a team, our mission, for everyone different, but like a song when one note is missing the song is incomplete.
When darkness is all around us, it is the light of Torah that pushes the darkness away. When we are learning Torah, loving our fellow Jew, judge others favorably, davening, performing mitzvos, doing a chesed, giving tzedakah, our light will shine so brightly that it could bring the Moshiach immediately.
But...When we don't believe in the coming of the Moshiach, or we are not waiting for his arrival,we are rejecting not only the prophets, but the Torah and Moshe too, as the Torah promised his arrival.
HaShem will bring back you from golus,and He will have rachmones upon you. He will once again gather you...Even if your golus are at the end of shamayim. HaShem, your G-d, will bring you to the land of your forefathers -Devarim 30: 3-5
We are waiting for the Moshiach to come, together with peace it will bring the world the truth of Torah. Belief in the coming of the Moshiach is in a deeper sense of belief in the geulah. Belief in the truth of Torah. Belief that HaShem created the world and everything that lives and exists, the Torah as blueprint how to live our lives.
At any moment we are worthy of geulah, HaShem will direct the Moshiach to take his role as redeemer. The Thirteen Tenets are a belief in the ultimate redemption, a world of peace, of true happiness, and filled with Torah wisdom.
And all the nations will know HaShem..
The Rambam says with the coming of Moshiach the whole world will be filled with knowledge of Hashem as the waters cover the sea, and the only true G-d is Hashem. In golus, nature masks the oness of Hashem to make it look like there is someone other than Hashem but when Moshiach comes it will be clear to the nation's that HaShem is Ein Od Milvado.