HaRav Dov Begon is Head of Jerusalem's Yeshivat Machon Meir.
There is a special commandment to remember what the Lord did to Miriam, as it is written: "Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way when you came out of Egypt." Rashi interprets: Do not speak slander, remember what was done to Miriam who spoke against her brother and was afflicted with plagues.
Why does the Torah command us to remember specifically Miriam the prophetess and her punishment for speaking badly about Moses, her brother? Wasn't it appropriate to learn about slander from a wicked person? Why learn this lesson from one of the most cherished women among the Congregation of Israel?
The Torah is coming to teach us that no one is immune from slander. Even the most respected and privileged people are liable to fall into this sin and their privilege does not exempt them from punishment.
And what's more, the fact that we are talking about the most respected family in Israel, Moses, Aaron and Miriam, teaches us that the prohibition of slander is not only a prohibition against people who are distant from us - on the contrary, the prohibition applies especially within the family.
In the family environment, where a person allows himself to be free in his actions and words, there is the greatest danger of falling into slander. Precisely because of the closeness to his family, a person allows himself to speak ill of his wife, husband, children, uncles, and other relatives. This is an unfortunate error.
Right now, we are in the month of Elul, the month of forgiveness, a month that is a favorable time to approach our Maker and repent over wrongdoings. When we come to take stock of ourselves, what are the greatest corruptions that we must correct in ourselves, in our family, and in our beloved nation?
Slander is amongst the greatest corruptions. After all, slander brought upon us gratuitous hatred and the destruction of the Second Temple and a two-thousand-year exile.
The social and moral situation in our day also needs a great correction. We must purify the public atmosphere, think well, speak well, and do good to one another. After all, life and death are in the hands of the tongue, and to our regret and shame, there are people who lose their lives because of gossip and slander said about them in the media, things that oppress heart and soul and which can lead a person to death.
Not only are those who are spoken about harmed by slander, but also the speakers themselves. And those who hear and receive slander are partners in this sin and cause themselves and their families great sadness that darkens their souls. The family is the social cell from which human society is built. When the cells in the social fabric are healthy, society is also healthy. Therefore, the main correction and repentance of gossip and slander must begin from within the home.
And as we purify our hearts and think well of each other, speak well and practice love and kindness, we will soon merit complete repentance, complete salvation, and complete comfort in our days. Amen.