Our Words Have the Power to Build or Destroy. Which Side Are You On?

Rabbi Shmuel Shapira was known for his pleasant, loving, and compassionate ways and made it a point to greet everyone he met—Jew and non-Jew alike. One of the people he regularly greeted on his daily morning walks was a farmer named Miller, whose farm was on the outskirts of town. At first, when the rabbi began these walks for his health and greeted the non-Jewish Mr. Miller, the farmer would quietly and uncomfortably step aside.

Relations between Jews and non-Jews in the town were not particularly good, and friendships were rare. However, Rabbi Shapira did not give up. Day after day, he would warmly greet the silent Mr. Miller until, eventually, the farmer began to respond with a tip of his hat and the faintest hint of a smile.

This routine continued for many years—until the Nazis arrived. Rabbi Shapira and his family, along with the rest of the town’s Jewish residents, were deported to a concentration camp. The rabbi was transferred from one camp to another until he reached his final destination—Auschwitz. He stepped off the train and was ordered to join the line for selection. His heart fluttered as he moved forward. His turn was coming. What would the verdict be? Left—to death, or right—to life?

He was just one person away from the officer in charge of the selection. Despite his fear, he looked curiously into the face of the commander. At that moment, the officer turned to look at him, and their eyes met. Rabbi Shapira stepped closer and quietly said, "Good morning, Mr. Miller." Mr. Miller’s eyes, once cold and empty, changed for a brief moment. “Good morning, Rabbi,” he quietly replied, and added, “Right!” (to life).

Words can build life—or destroy it, as it is written: “Their tongue is a sharpened arrow” (Jeremiah 9:7). The tongue is like an arrow drawn on a bow. Once the arrow is released, there is no way to retrieve it or control its path. The same is true for words of gossip or slander- once spoken, they cannot be taken back or controlled in their spread among people.

Speech also has the power to revive others. A kind word or a warm smile can uplift a downtrodden soul and strengthen it for a long time. Sensitivity to those around us, who may be going through hardships or even just having a rough day, through a sincere smile, heartfelt encouragement, genuine interest in their well-being, or even a loving pat on the back can breathe life into another person. We can show support to colleagues at work, family members at home, neighbors, or fellow members of the synagogue. These small gestures give a person the sense that they are seen, that they matter, that they are not alone, that they are appreciated, and that others care about them.

The Talmud says that one who gives a coin to a poor person receives six blessings, but one who comforts and encourages him receives eleven blessings! (Talmud, Bava Batra 9b).