Noach
In Parashat Noach, Perek 11, pasuk1, the pasuk writes "Vayihe Kol HaAretz Safa Echat U’Devarim Achadim." The Torah tells us that at this time in history, all the nations were talking one language, and then as a result of the Tower of Bavel, G-d came down and mixed their tongues up. It was at that time that different languages began to manifest itself on the planet. Today, we have 70 languages or more, as a result of the Tower of Bavel, where G-d came down and confused their tongues in order to wreck their plans of construction.
There’s a fascinating explanation written by Rav Yitzchak Hutner (1906-1980) in his book ‘Pachad Yitzchak’ that explains why the Rambam in his book Yad Hachazaka, used a seemingly odd title on the section about speech. Yad Hachazaka encompasses all the laws from the Gemara, and each section has a title befitting the content contained within. But the heading he gave to the section on speech didn’t fit the pattern, as it was titled Hafla’ah. Hafla’ah literally means ‘wonder’. So Rabbi Hutner gives an explanation as to why Rambam might have called this chapter Hafla’ah. Man is made up of 2 parts. Man is made up of a physical body, and of a soul (Neshama). The Torah says that G-d blew the spirit (Ruach) of himself into man, and the Chachamim tell us that it is from the spirit, the soul of man, that we have the ability to speak. Speech emanates from the soul. A man without a soul can not speak. Animals do not have Neshamot and thus they are unable to speak. They might have the ability to communicate with sounds, but the ability to talk words and language is uniquely gifted to man through his Neshama.
We say the Beracha ‘Rofe Kol Basar U’Mafli La’Asot’ every morning in Asher Yatzar, and every time we come out of the bathroom. This is Beracha to Hashem for he made a wondrous creation. Chachamim explain that this refers to the fact that G-d was able to put 2 complete opposites together and yet they are able to coexist in harmony. The soul is the enemy of the body, and the body is the enemy of the soul. They are enemies that reside in mankind, but yet G-d enabled them live in peace. That is a wondrous thing. That is why we say U’Mafli La’Asot. It’s like putting fire and water together. It’s like putting water and oil together. If one would see such a combination, he would be awed by such a thing. The fact that human beings are able to maintain a soul in a physical body is truly wondrous.
So Rav Hutner writes that Rambam called this section Hafla’ah, because our words stem from our Neshama and our words yield truly wondrous and powerful impact. This section in Yad Hachazaka discusses the laws of speech, the laws of vows, the laws of making Nizeerut (oaths), and the laws of putting somebody in Cherem (excommunication). So you see that speech is very meaningful and wondrous, as it has the ability to make Mitzvah, but it also has the ability to make sin.
We must therefore always remember the power of speech, as this power is fueled by our Neshama. Speech can do wonders, but it can also be very dangerous. Mitzvot can result from speech, but so can transgressions. There is a saying in Arabic, ‘Chaki Balash’, which means that the conversation and words are simply gibberish. But, words are powerful. Words have the ability to impact Olam Haba, and words have the ability to destroy not only the physical but the spiritual as well. And thus with ill spoken words one can taint his own soul, just as quick as one elevates his Neshama with words of Torah.
So, Rambam calls this Hafla’ah. Speech is wondrous. Speech is powerful. Speech brings Mitzvot, but yet speech can bring transgression and destruction. Speech emanates from the soul, the Neshama brought by Hashem, the soul that resides along side its enemy, the physical body.
