Toldos – To Let People Talk or Not

At the beginning of Parshas Toldos, the Torah states, 'These are the descendants of Yitzchak, Avraham's son. Avraham fathered Yitzchak.' Rashi questions the apparent redundancy in this verse. If Yitzchak is Avraham’s son, is it not self-evident that Avraham  fathered him? Rashi, based on the Midrash Tanchuma, explains that the redundancy exists because the detractors of that generation were suggesting that Yitzchak was the child of Avimelech. Thus, Hashem made Yitzchak's appearance mirror that of Avraham, prompting all who saw him to proclaim, 'This is Avraham's son.' This redundancy in the Torah hints at this reality. Although the Torah typically employs precise language, Hashem felt it was necessary to silence those who would speak disparagingly about Avraham and Sorah.

In Parshas Bereishis, as Hashem prepares to create man, He addresses the angels, stating, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’. Rashi, commenting on the plural expressions ‘us and our’ clarifies that while the angels did not aid in the creation of man, and there is a potential for heretics to dispute this, the verse still serves to teach the importance of proper conduct and the trait of humility. It teaches that a superior should consult and seek permission from an inferior; for had it been stated, 'I will make man', we would not have learned that He conferred with His court but rather decided Himself.

Who Are We Talking About

These two verses appear to present conflicting messages. These two verses appear to convey messages. On one hand, the Torah uses an ambiguous term without considering how it might be interpreted by people, even risking the possibility of leading to the erroneous belief that more than one creator was responsible for man's creation. Conversely, regarding any negative remarks about Avraham, the Torah is unequivocal, ensuring that no one can make such a dreadful implication. Which is it? Is there a need to prevent misconceptions or not?

The Torah teaches a significant lesson about human behavior and emotional sensitivities. When an important lesson is to be imparted, a person may choose to overlook misunderstandings, even if others draw incorrect conclusions. This is only true when the individual themselves is the one impacted by the judgments of others. In cases where another party is involved, the individual must refrain from being ambiguous or brief. Clarity is necessary to protect the feelings of the other party.

Watch What You Say

In Western society, the acceptance of free speech has become a norm. Undoubtedly, this principle holds significance and serves a purpose. However, one must critically examine this 'right' when it is wielded as a tool for harm. The principle of freedom of speech is often used to defend the act of voicing any thought, irrespective of who may be hurt or offended by such expressions. There is a pervasive sense of entitlement to articulate one’s views at any moment. As the saying goes, 'Everyone is entitled to my opinion'.

The concept of being attuned to the feelings of others goes beyond merely the language one employs. Hashem transformed Yitzchok's appearance to silence the whispers of the lowly gossipers of the time. Furthermore, He employs additional words in the Torah to further mute those voices. The implication is unmistakable: if physical appearances are altered to protect someone's feelings, it is even more critical for individuals to be mindful of how they depict others.

Many individuals may contend that one ought to develop thicker skin and refrain from taking offense easily, claiming that it is simply words and just their opinion. These arguments may indeed hold some merit, indeed the Torah adopts this stance regarding Hashem, who allows Himself to be, so to speak, insulted by granting heretics the freedom to believe in multiple creators, ‘proving’ it from the very words of the Torah itself. There is a catch, when it pertains to insults directed at another individual. In such a case the Torah is unequivocal. It mandates that all measures be taken to avert any insult or slight directed at another individual.