49.6 Remember Miriam: Death and Life Are in the Power of the Tongue

In today’s reading from Parashat Ki Teitzei 49.6 (Deuteronomy 24:8–9), one command stopped me: “Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam...” This one hits close to home because I have personally struggled with lashon hara—especially with the people I feel safest around. Sometimes “I’m just concerned,” “I’m processing,” or even “But it’s TRUE!” can become permission to tell more of someone else’s story than I really need to. In this video, we explore Miriam and Moses, tzaraat, the Chofetz Chaim, Pirkei Avot, Ben Sira (Sirach), Proverbs, James, and the words of Yeshua as we consider the tremendous power of the tongue. We’ll also look at some memorable pictures of our words: feathers that can’t be gathered again, nails that leave holes, and the tiny spark James says can set a forest ablaze. And we’ll tap together—not from a place of shame, but with curiosity: What is happening in my heart that keeps wanting to come out of my mouth? Because taming the tongue may be about more than learning to stay quiet. Hashem can transform our hearts so that our words increasingly become instruments of prayer, blessing, healing, and life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21 📖 Scriptures: Deuteronomy 24:8–9 • Numbers 12:1–15 • Proverbs 4:23; 18:21 • Sirach 19:6–10; 28:12–26 • Matthew 5:44; 12:34–37 • Luke 23:34 • James 1:19, 26; 3:1–12 • Ephesians 4:29 • Philippians 4:8 ✨ Afformation: Why is becoming easier to pause, guard my heart, and use my words to bring life.