Synopsis "The Power Of Human Speech - In The Jewish Tradition"
Using anecdotes, commentaries, and scholarly articles, Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins conveys the merits of speaking positively, or Leshon Hatov, and the unfortunate results of negative speech, or Leshon Hara, in "The Power Of Human Speech - From The Jewish Perspective". More than 50 scholars and writers address the virtues of speaking positively verses using improper negative speech. Written from the Jewish perspective, Rabbi Elkins, the compiler and editor of this book, opens with the five categories of speech as defined by the Rambam: Required speech, Forbidden speech, Repulsive Speech, Desirable speech and Permitted speech.After reading this book, you will see how words are like feathers, and how it is impossible to reclaim words after they have been spoken, or how words are more like an arrow than a sword.Rabbi Elkins brings to light how words used in Internet bullying (electronic leshon hara) have had tragic consequences, as well as the results of spreading gossip.Maimonides writes, "What is noble can be expressed in any tongue. What is ignoble should be said in no tongue.""The Power Of Human Speech - From The Jewish Perspective" provides the foundation for using proper speech, and the strength to know when to remain silent, when not to speak, and how to create your world through your language.
