“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Really? Whenever I read these words, I can’t help but think of how “unJewish” it is.
In fact, it goes against the essence of Judaism. Consider Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ explanation of why lashon hara (“evil speak”) is such an insidious offense:
“What made Judaism different, however, is that it is supremely a religion of holy words. With words God created the universe: ‘And God said, Let there be…and there was.’ Through words He communicated with humankind. In Judaism...
