Titzaveh – The Spoken Word

Parshas Titzaveh opens with the phrase, "And you shall command the Children of Israel." Hashem continues instructing Moshe about the Mishkan. Rather than employing the frequently used phrase, "Hashem spoke to Moshe," Hashem simply uses, "and you should command…." What accounts for this shift in linguistic style?

The significance of words cannot be overstated, as they carry both intended and unintended repercussions. This concept is powerfully illustrated in the opening lines of Parshas Titzaveh. In Parshas Ki Sisa, the Torah recounts the sin of the golden calf and Moshe’s heartfelt intercession for his nation. In this prayer, Moshe makes a profound declaration: "And now, if you forgive their sin... and if not, erase me, please, from Your book which You have written." In an act of profound selflessness, Moshe tells Hashem that if He decides to destroy the Jewish People, He should exclude him from the Torah. Though it is accompanied by consequences, Hashem does indeed forgive the nation. Chazal however note that due to Moshe’s plea to be "erased," his name is mentioned in every Parshas from his introduction in Mitzrayim until the end of the Torah, with the sole exception of Parshas Titzaveh.

This appears to be quite difficult to understand. Moshe conveyed those words with a particular condition. The condition was unmet, the people were not destroyed, thus there should be no reason to exclude Moshe’s name from the Torah. This question can also be posed regarding an event in Parshas Vayaitzei. This inquiry can also be raised in relation to an occurrence in Parshas Vayaitzei. Rochel takes her father’s idols, and when Lavan questions Yaakov about his missing idols, Yaakov declares, "The one with whom you find your gods shall not live!" Chazal tell us that had Yaakov been aware that Rochel had taken the idols, he would not have uttered such a statement, and yet, Rochel subsequently dies because of his words. He certainly did not intend to curse his wife. Nevertheless, we once again observe the impact that words can have.

Words Aren’t Just Air

The spoken word fundamentally consists of air. It is devoid of any physical characteristics. Words cannot be sensed or touched; they lack taste and smell. What, then, are words? A considerable amount of literature and discourse has focused on the notion that words can shape an individual's reality. We have previously delved into the concept of self-fulfilling prophecies. A person tends to become what they express about themselves. The question remains: why is this phenomenon true? What is it about a person's words that renders them so powerful?

Words often act as a lens into an individual's thoughts and spirit. They represent how a person articulates their deepest thoughts and emotions. Through the power of speech, individuals can connect with one another, express their desires, and communicate their emotions. Words wield a significant influence not only on the speaker but also on the listener. While it is true that one may remember a physical conflict from their childhood, the associated pain and anger usually dissipate and become buried within the mind's recesses. However, when a person is subjected to verbal insults or emotional pain, it becomes considerably more challenging to move forward. The anguish that words can inflict can leave a permanent mark on the heart and soul of the individual. Just as words emerge from the profound depths of an individual's soul, they similarly reach into the deepest parts of the listener's heart and soul.

The inherent power of the spoken word must be harnessed with the utmost care and appropriateness. The Torah delineates many guidelines regarding an individual's speech. As noted in a prior article, the Torah does not grant a person 'freedom of speech'; rather, it bestows upon them the responsibility of speech. The Torah conveys a message through the greatest of men, Yaakov, known as the Man of Truth, and Moshe, the greatest prophet in history, that every word can and does have deep repercussions on the world. Although both had valid reasons for their words not to take effect, once these eminent figures articulated them, they became a tangible reality. May we be fortunate enough to weigh each of our words thoughtfully and contribute to the creation of a beautiful and positive world.

This message may also be found within Megillas Esther. The Medrash informs us that Haman was the most notorious slanderer. Through his carefully articulated speeches, he caused the death of Queen Vashti and then leveraged his persuasive abilities to convince King Achashverosh to eliminate the entire Jewish populace. At the peak of his power, Haman gathers his family and advisors to publicly recount his considerable wealth and the extensive family he leads. However, he then declares, "all of this is worthless to me as long as I see Mordechai the Jew sitting at the palace gates." Not even 24 hours later, he finds himself hanged on the very gallows he had erected for Mordechai, proving that his words would indeed become reality. His wealth held no value for him, and neither his powerful status nor his family could rescue him.