Annual No Lashon Harah Week!!!

Next week is parshat Tazria-Metzora and that means...

NO LASHON HARAH WEEK!!

For the entire week - absolutely no talking negatively about other people. 

This year NO LASHON HARAH WEEK coincides with Yom Hazikaron - Israeli memorial day for fallen soldiers.  Participating in NO LASHON HARAH WEEK is a wonderful way to show honor to these great Jewish heroes!

The Israeli soldiers are defending Israel and providing peace and security for the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. 

Lashon Harah causes fighting and hatred amongst our people.  By refraining from Lashon Harah we bring peace to our people.

When we refrain from any type of slander this week we pray that any slander against Israel, Israeli soldiers, or the Jewish people be ignored and those who spread the slander be discredited.

This week try and be positive about the actions and words of those around us.  Give other people the benefit of the doubt, and judge others favorably.  And in return, may Hashem judge each of us favorably. 

Speech can wound and speech can heal.  May we all learn to use our tongues to heal and may Hashem in turn heal our wounds and send us blessings, health, success, and peace.

This is without a doubt the most challenging week of the year.  I encourage everyone to be a part of it!!!  Think before you speak.  Try and be positive at all times.  It is easier if you do it together with friends and family.  Enlist as many people as possible!

I have done this in years past and every year I come out of the week changed for the better. 

My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from deceitful speech.

Open my heart to your Torah and let my soul chase your mitzvot!!!