The Power of Words and the Power of Weapons
Honoring the lives and memories of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, z"l There are usually two ways to begin a sermon: with life, or with the text. Sometimes we start with a story, an experience, something real and close to home. Other times we begin with an idea—a concept from the parsha or our tradition—and work our way back to life from there. Today, I need to begin with the text. Sometimes grief is too raw to start with life. Beginning with an idea helps me ground myself before I can begin to speak about the pain and grief that I—and many of you—are carrying. The text gives me something to hold onto—and this week, what it gives us is a teaching about words. In this case, to make an oath or a vow—words that have the power to obligate us legally and morally. A reminder that the words we speak are important. But how do we understand the power of words? When we discuss this topic, many wise sayings from across ages and cultures come to mind. There is the classic debate topic, “I...