Weekly Message

15 January 2026

In this week’s parashah, Va’eira, Moshe complains to God:  “You see, the children of Israel do not listen to me, and I am uncircumcised of lips.”  The word “and” seems to have the sense of “because.”  Moshe seems to be complaining that people are not listening to him because of his speech impediment.

But according to the S’fat Emet, Moshe actually means the opposite. The word “and” should be understood in the sense of “therefore.” Moshe’s real complaint is that people are not listening to him and, therefore, his speech is impeded.

The point, according to the S’fat Emet, is that true speech requires a true listener to draw it out. Words that come from deep inside the heart, the kind of words that make a difference in the world, emerge only in response to an open heart on the other side of the conversation.

Our broken world is desperately in need of heartfelt words, words with the power to heal. So much of what we hear online and over the airways are pre-packaged talking points, as opposed to authentic speech. Much of it merely amplifies our grievances and divisions, instead of healing them. On the other hand, honest words can be redemptive at a time like this. Perhaps, by working harder to hear, we can help to bring more such words into the world.