Who is the best person to diagnose a broken leg? Who would you choose to inform you about your child's cavities? What about an incessant migraine that can not be healed by a bowl of chicken soup?
Most would agree that an Orthopedist, Dentist, and Neurologist would be the ideal choices. The Torah however, has a somewhat surprising approach when discussing a unique malady known as Tzara'at or leprosy.
The Tzara'at was a discoloration of one's skin, which came about not due to a physical ailment, but as a result of gossip - a spiritual disorder. It had very specific characteristics as far as size, color and had to be diagnosed by a Kohen. Yes, that's right - a Kohen was the one who had to deliver the diagnosis, even if he was not familiar with the intricacies of the Tzara'at ailment. A sage who was proficient in the various laws would examine the spot, and would communicate to the Kohen, who would hand down the verdict. If it was indeed Tzara'at, the individual would need to separate from the community for seven days.
This would be analogous to a doctor needing to communicate his findings to a layman before being able to treat a patient.
The Torah is teaching us a most valuable lesson; before passing judgement on someone, before offering critique to a colleague, employee, spouse or child, you need to be a Kohen. A kohen is tasked with blessing the Jewish people with the priestly blessing. The only blessing where the qualifier is, to bless the Nation of Israel with love. A Kohen, one who truly loves his fellow, will surely do everything in his ability to prevent a negative outcome if at all possible. And if it is indeed the case, he will soften the verdict with love.
When taking someone else to task, when criticizing a fellow, we need to first look at ourselves and make sure that we are doing it with love. Only then will it be accepted. Without it, not only won't it be effective, it can be counter-productive, and perhaps even destructive.
Let's not rush to condemn, to prescribe "antibiotics" just in case the other party is guilty as charged. Next time you find yourself sharing your opinion, try it out. Be a Kohen. I'm sure you'll like it.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush