We all do sometimes! a fascinating little corner of Jewish law from Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal midrashim (interpretations) on the Book of Deuteronomy.
The passage starts with the phrase, "so shall you observe to do." It's about a tricky situation involving tzara'at, often translated as leprosy or a plague-spot. Now, tzara'at in the Torah isn't just a medical condition; it's a spiritual affliction, a sign of something deeper amiss.
The text says you can't deliberately remove a plague-spot. But then it adds this intriguing caveat: you can tie your shoelace or put a carrying pole on your back. If, in the process of doing these normal, everyday things, the spot happens to be removed... well, then it's removed! There's no penalty.
What's going on here? It seems like the Torah is acknowledging the complexities of life. Sometimes, we can't directly confront a problem. Sometimes, the best approach is indirect, almost accidental. We're allowed to live our lives, even if it means potentially affecting the status of the tzara'at. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the balance between strict adherence to the law and the practical realities of being human.
But that's not all. The passage then pivots to a seemingly unrelated verse: "Remember what the L-rd your G-d did to Miriam" (Deuteronomy 24:9). What does Miriam's story have to do with plague-spots?
The connection, the Sifrei Devarim tells us, is lashon hara – evil speech, slander. The Torah tells us that tzara'at comes as a result of slander. Remember that Miriam spoke against Moses regarding the "Kushite woman" he had married (Numbers 12:1). Even though she was Moses' sister, even though her intentions might have been well-meaning (perhaps she was concerned for his well-being), she was punished.
Now, the Sifrei makes a powerful argument a fortiori – a "how much more so" argument. If Miriam, who spoke privately, with good intentions, and even to benefit the world, was punished for her words, then how much more so will those who publicly denigrate their neighbors be punished! Miriam’s intentions weren’t malicious. As Ginzberg recounts in Legends of the Jews, there are interpretations suggesting she was acting out of concern for Moses and the future of the Israelite people! Yet, the consequences were severe.
The takeaway? Our words have immense power. They can build up or tear down, heal or wound. This passage from Sifrei Devarim isn't just about obscure laws regarding skin diseases. It's a profound reminder of the responsibility we have to speak with kindness, compassion, and awareness of the impact our words can have on others. It urges us to remember Miriam and to guard our tongues, lest we too fall prey to the destructive power of lashon hara. It's a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did centuries ago.