A Mouth Guarded by Holiness: A Lifelong Reward

Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen, known lovingly as the Chofetz Chaim, devoted his life to teaching the Jewish people the value of shmirat halashon—guarding one's speech. He didn’t only teach it; he lived it. Every word he spoke was weighed with care, always mindful of halacha (Jewish law), and always with a deep sense of holiness and love of Heaven. Though he was careful with his words, he wasn’t silent. He spoke often and with passion—about faith, morality, and how to live a life that brings us closer to Hashem.

One of his students tells a touching story from the Chofetz Chaim’s old age. The great rabbi was very weak and lying in bed. “When I came to visit him,” the student recalled, “he asked me to open his mouth. I was hesitant, but after he asked me again and again, I gently opened it—and was shocked by what I saw. There, in his mouth, were two perfect rows of healthy teeth. Not one was missing. Not one was broken. They looked like they belonged to a young man, not a 90-year-old elder. Then the Chofetz Chaim looked at me, smiled warmly, and said, ‘I guarded the mouth Hashem gave me, and Hashem guarded my mouth.’”

This powerful moment isn’t just about a physical miracle. It’s about the deep spiritual truth that when we guard our mouths—when we avoid gossip, hurtful words, and negativity—we invite Hashem’s protection into our lives in very real ways.

This lesson echoes in the weekly Torah portion of Tetzaveh, where the special robe (me'il) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) is described. The robe had an opening for the head, surrounded by a reinforced collar so it wouldn’t tear. The Kli Yakar, a classic Torah commentator, explains that this design teaches us about guarding our speech. Just as the robe has a firm boundary around its opening, we too are meant to place boundaries around our mouths—our “opening”—so we don’t let words escape that shouldn't be said.

He adds that the robe was entirely blue, reminding us of the sea, which stays within its limits. Just like the sea doesn’t cross its boundaries, our speech should also stay within the holy boundaries Hashem gave us—our teeth and lips.

The robe also had golden bells and decorative pomegranates along its hem. The bells made sound, but the pomegranates were silent. According to another commentator, the Alsheich, this teaches us a precious truth: silence is twice as valuable as speech. That’s why the Torah places a bell between two pomegranates. Sometimes, choosing silence is the greatest wisdom of all.

The Chofetz Chaim’s shining example shows us that words are powerful—they can uplift or destroy, heal or hurt. But when we choose words with care and holiness, we don’t just elevate our souls. We bring light, protection, and blessing into every part of our lives.