Dear Temple Beth Shira Family and Friends,

The chapters of Leviticus which we read this week, Tazria-Metzora, contain the laws of physical and spiritual purity. Here we are given an important view of ancient medicine and ritual. The procedures described to cure a skin infection, primarily quarantine, were meant to safeguard both the patient and the entire community. However, if there were nothing more to these chapters than an historic view of purification, our interest would be limited. But we have come to understand and cherish that every word of Torah delivers a contemporary lesson with impact relevant to our lives today.

During Biblical times, infections and skin ailments were thought to be caused by a person's wrongdoing. Commentators throughout the ages identify the wrongdoing which caused these skin afflictions as the sin of slander. In Hebrew, leshon ha-ra (literally "evil tongue") refers to slander, gossip, talebearing, and all other forms of damage to an individual and society caused by words. The Book of Psalms warns: "Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech..." The lesson is clear. The spread of lies, gossip, character assassination and derogatory statements can infect society, destroy communities, cause profound sorrow and severely wound individuals. The Book of Proverbs teaches: "Death and life are in the hands of the tongue..."

Friends, next time you are tempted to say something derogatory about another, please remember that leshon ha-ra is incompatible with the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself." If you have a grievance with an individual, bring it directly to that individual. S/he is the only one who can facilitate the change that you might hope for. Rabbi Yochanan warns that "spreading leshon ha-ra - slander, lies, or misinformation - is identical to denying the power of God." The family of Temple Beth Shira has grown and thrived because of the love and support found within this special community. It can just as easily be dismantled. Let us pledge to take the lesson of this week's Torah portion to heart by minding our words carefully and working together to build up rather than to tear apart. Temple Beth Shira deserves nothing less.

I close with two very appropriate words: MAZAL TOV!! Our recent b'nai mitzvah, Jenny Alovis and Austin Shulman were both spectacularly wonderful as they led our worship, taught the lessons of their parashiyot and beamed with well deserved pride in their accomplishments. And another Mazal Tov to two sets of new Temple Beth Shira grandparents. Harriet and Alan Goldner are the proud new grandparents of Lily Jade, and Michael Rosen and Terry Chaves have a beautiful new grandson, Brody Jackson. Our congregational family kvells with the Alovis, Shulman, Goldner and Rosen families!

L'shalom,

Cantor Ellen Stettner