Words

וַיָּבֵא יוֹסֵף אֶת דִּבָּתָם רָעָה אֶל אֲבִיהֶם
and Joseph brought evil tales about them to their father.

The second verse in this week's parsha mentions the tales that Yosef brought back to his father about his brothers. Rashi comments how Yosef was punished for the words he spoke.

Today an article was withdrawn from a site and an apoliogy was issued. One of the comments posted compared words to feathers of a pillow that, once released, can no longer be retrieved.

An anguished single writes to Rebbetzin Jungreis about insensitivity and hurtful remarks. "It is admirable and noble to want to help with shidduchim, but be serious! Don’t drop names because you feel it shows you are doing something. Unless you have a concrete plan or serious information, don’t talk about it. If you do mention someone, follow up and get back to the single person."

So, let's be careful with our words, both written and vocal. And may the anguished single, as well as others, find their future spouses with the help of G-d and through our endeavors to alleviate the shidduch problem.