In the bustling halls of our girls’ Jewish high school, there’s a quiet revolution happening—one that centers around the sacred practice of Shmiras Halashon, guarding our speech.
Last year, during a spirited discussion in the ninth-grade Biur Tefillah (commentary on prayer) class, we studied the significance of this mitzvah. The question arose: How can we truly internalize and uphold all the intricate laws of proper speech?
Over and Over and Over Again
I shared my belief with the students: Repetition is the key. To truly grasp the halachos, we must revisit them again and again. But mere repetition isn’t enough; it requires dedication and persistence. And so, I posed a challenge: Who among the girls would like a sefer—a book—devoted to the study of Shmiras Halashon? To my delight, around eight girls eagerly accepted the offer. They embarked on a journey to understand the nuances of lashon hara (denigrating speech, even if true), rechilus (tale-bearing), and ona’as devarim (causing pain with words)—the very fabric of our interactions.
Fast Forward to this Year
Our once-ninth graders, now proud tenth graders Dena Klein and Inbal Heymann, approached me with shining eyes. Over the summer, they had diligently worked their way through the sefer. They didn’t just start; they finished. In a world where beginnings often outshine endings, their commitment stood out. I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in their accomplishment.
In a world where beginnings often outshine endings, their commitment stood out. I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in their accomplishment.
Shira Ahuva rich
Teacher, Mesorah high school for girls
And so, on a Tuesday morning, our classroom buzzed with anticipation. We gathered for a small siyum—a celebration of completion. Dena and Inbal stood before their peers, their sefer well-worn and marked with notes. Their smiles radiated the joy of achievement. As they shared insights from their journey, the room filled with a sense of purpose. Shmiras Halashon wasn’t just a theoretical concept; it was a living practice for these young women.
But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by Dena and Inbal, I extended the invitation anew. The remaining girls were offered the same opportunity—to delve into the sefer, to wrestle with its teachings, and to emerge stronger in their commitment to mindful speech. And when another girl completes her study, we’ll celebrate her too. Because finishing matters. It’s the bridge between intention and impact.
The Purpose of it All
Why invest time and effort in mastering the laws of speech? Because Shmiras Halashon isn’t a mere checkbox on our spiritual to-do list. It’s the foundation of our relationships—with each other and with the Divine. When we choose our words carefully, we build bridges instead of walls. We uplift rather than tear down. And in a world where words can wound or heal, our girls are choosing healing.
So, to Dena, Inbal, and all the girls who embrace this sacred task, I say: Kol hakavod! Your commitment echoes through our school’s corridors, reminding us that learning isn’t just about beginnings—it’s about the journey, the persistence, and the transformation. May your words inspire and elevate, lighting the way for others.
As we celebrate each completion, we reinforce a truth: Shmiras Halashon isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a privilege—one that connects us to our heritage, our community, and our shared destiny. ■
Miss Shira Ahuva Rich
Teacher, Mesorah High School for Girls
with Rabbi Yaakov Rich
Marketing, Mesorah High School for Girls
