Purim Spiel by Esther Pam Zibell, 2003 (oil on canvas)
A Special Purim Post
Talking in a derogatory way about other people reinforces the power of fantasy and illusion within us. When people use bad language and speak derogatorily about others, their da’as (knowledge), is taken from them and they fall into animalistic cravings and desires. —The Advice Book, Speech (9)
Our imagination is an incredible force—it can build bridges or pitch battles, birth wonders or carnage.
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches that bad speech, especially negative talk about others (even if true), stimulates the negative energies of our imagination and robs us of our intelligence. The Rebbe reminds us that “…someone who speaks loshon hara is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:18)
So why do we do it?