So what's the scoop?
In today's world of tabloid magazines and sensational headlines, it's a race to the press room. With a gazillion different social media platforms, we forget about the person on the other end of
"social". When clicking that "share" button, it's not always about a positive contribution to our friends.
Usually, we don't even notice. Immersed in a culture of gossip, it has simply become a way of life. We spend more time focusing on others' shortcomings than on their (and our own) progress.
Up through the times of the Holy Temple, there was a gentle reminder from Above that words matter. One who engaged in gossip would be afflicted with a supernatural skin condition. To clarify, this was not an illness due to physical health issues or bacteria. So to heal it, the individual would first be diagnosed by a Kohen, and then follow a process that included isolation outside of the Jewish camp. This would give them the opportunity to reflect on and heal their spiritual self.
While we no longer have this condition (known as Tzara'at), the message remains. Unlike the classic "Sticks and stones may break my bones", the Talmud teaches us: Gossip hurts three; the one who talks; the one who listens, and the one about whom it is spoken. In a sense, the damage from a callous insult can last longer than mere action.
On the flip side, let's use this to inspire us to compliment, to speak sensitively, to congratulate accomplishments and to uplift one another.
ב"ה