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Mincha continues at 1.00pm at A-P GF/459 Collins, using the WhatsApp group to confirm a minyan each day.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Ezra May

The weekly reading of Matot-Masei is invariably read during the Three Weeks – the period in which we mourn the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The opening words of the reading commands, “lo yachel devaro – a person shall not profane his word.”

The Rabbis teach that our words possess tremendous power. They can build relationships and societies or destroy them.

They also teach us that the Second Temple was destroyed because of sinat chinam—baseless hatred. While hatred begins in the heart, it is mostly expressed through speech: gossip, insults and humiliation that leave lasting wounds.

Perhaps this is why Matot begins with the sanctity of speech. If the Temple was destroyed through the misuse of our words, its rebuilding begins with using our words for kindness and peace. Every kind word spoken, every argument avoided, and every effort to bring peace between people is another step towards transforming these days of mourning into days of joy.