Speech & silence – Emor
The name of the sidra means “Speak!”
There are two words for speaking – dabber and amar, and two words for quietness – sh’tikah and sheket.
Dabber is harsh, amar is gentle. There are times to speak plainly, bluntly, loudly… and times to speak softly and gently.
It depends on the situation, the place and the time. One must not make the mistake of being harsh when gentleness would be better, or for being soft when that would imply a lack of courage and nerve.
Likewise, there are times for shocked silence, and times for quiet reflection.
One must not make the mistake of being speechless when a few calm words would be better, or be too calm when the moment calls for shock.
