When Words Carry Weight: A Silent Curse and a Loud Miracle

A deeply moving story was shared by the great Torah scholar, Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, reminding us just how powerful our words can be—especially when spoken by a fellow Jew. Whether said with kindness or in a moment of frustration, our speech can shape lives in ways we never imagine.

This incredible story took place in Jerusalem, and it involves a man known as D.K., a devoted Slonimer chassid (follower of the Slonim Hasidic group), who for 24 long years was not blessed with children. Despite traveling the world and consulting with top medical experts, he and his wife remained childless—until a miracle happened.

As a young man, D.K. had studied at the Slonim yeshiva (Torah academy) in Jerusalem and was known for his dedication to Torah learning. At the yeshiva, there was a woman whose job was to clean the study hall floors. One day, she arrived with a few of her small children. Like all kids, they made noise, and it disturbed the students.

D.K., meaning no harm, approached her and commented about the disturbance. The woman was hurt by his remark. She sighed and muttered under her breath, “May you never taste the bitterness of raising children.”

D.K. didn’t give it another thought. Years passed. He got married. He and his wife waited and hoped, prayed and pleaded—but the home remained quiet. No children came. They went from doctor to doctor, across countries and continents, but after 24 years, there was still no child.

Then one day, D.K. suddenly remembered that moment from his youth. He recalled the cleaner’s words. At the time, he had misunderstood them—he thought she had meant to bless him with an easy life. But now, he began to wonder: Had her words actually been said out of pain? Could they have carried a deeper spiritual impact?

He wasted no time. He searched for her and was relieved to learn she was still alive. He went to her home and reminded her of what had happened all those years ago. The woman immediately forgave him, wholeheartedly and warmly. From the depth of her soul, she blessed him with love and compassion. She also told him something remarkable—those little children who had been with her in the yeshiva had grown into prominent Torah scholars.

And then, the miracle came. Less than nine months later, after 24 years of longing and tears, D.K. and his wife were blessed with a baby boy. The city of Jerusalem was filled with joy. The news of the miracle spread quickly—everyone celebrated.

This incredible story teaches us a powerful lesson: the words of a Jew is no small thing. Words can hurt deeply, even when we don’t mean them to. But just as they can harm, they can also heal. A heartfelt blessing from one Jew to another, especially when paired with forgiveness, can move mountains—both in this world and in the heavenly ones above.

As Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin writes in his sefer Nefesh HaChaim (Part 1, Chapter 4):
“This is the teaching for every person of Israel—that he should never say in his heart, God forbid, ‘What am I, and what power do I have to affect the world?’ Rather, he must know and fix in his thoughts that every detail of his actions and speech, how great and meaningful they are, rises above, reaching the highest worlds and the light of the heavens.”

Courtesy of the 'Dirshu' website.