Search This Blog

Monday, December 27, 2010

In Merit of Rivka bat Rachel Leah

There are several medical conditions which cause a loss of censorship of speech. Tourette Syndrome is a brain condition that, among other symptoms, causes the patient to curse uncontrollably. Schizophrenia, a mental disorder that is characterized by misperceptions of reality, can cause people to act violently and curse. Bipolar disorder, a syndrome in which the patient cycles from being extremely manic to extremely depressed, can also cause uncontrollable cursing. People who have suffered from a stroke (which is like a heart attack in the brain) or other forms of bleeding in the brain can also lose control and curse. Other chemical imbalances and brain damage can cause uncontrollable cursing fits.

There are millions of people every year who suffer from these conditions and cannot control how they speak. A completely healthy person who has total control over everything they say and still curses is almost mocking the people who cannot.

I would like to dedicate this post for the merit of Bekkie, Rivka bat Rachel Leah. She is an eleven-year-old girl who is currently suffering from leukemia. She has been hanging in there for a while, and we desperately want her to get completely better! Her devoted friends made a CD called the Never Alone CD (http://www.neveralonecd.com) in Bekkie's merit. I beseech you all to pray for Bekkie's speedy recovery.

Update: Rivka bat Rachel Leah is now in remission! This is an amazing miracle. All of you who have read this post helped bring about her recovery - thank you so much! Please continue to pray for her well-being.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Cursing and Kabbalah

A rabbi I know told me that he heard a mekubal, or a person educated in Kabbalah, talking, and the mekubal was using a lot of serious bad words. He approached the mekubal and asked him, "As a person so connected to God, how can you curse like that?" The mekubal replied, "Do you want to hear a real curse?" The answer was obviously no, and he got away from the mekubal as fast as he could.

Honestly, I agree with this rabbi: I really don't understand how a mekubal could speak like that. A mekubal is a person who has seriously dedicated their life to studying Kabbalah (not like Madonna), and therefore to becoming closer to God. (A real curse from a mekubal would have seriously bad effects. If you ever hear one using bad words, I beg of you, do not approach them about it.) I have published extensively on how using bad words keeps a person grounded, and keeps them from reaching a spiritual plane. Whether a person is Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or a member of any other religion, I think they want to a reach a higher level: how can they curse and hold themselves back?

Friday, December 17, 2010

Insults Are Also Bad Words

While Bleep! is obviously anti-cursing, there are words out there that are just as bad as cursing that Bleep! combats: insults. One day when I was speaking at a school, I was sitting with the students as the principal made some announcements, and two girls were picking on a third. I happen to sort of know the two girls involved, and I know for a fact that neither one would ever say a serious curse word. However, they didn't flinch from calling another girl names.

What I'm trying to say by this is that insults can be just as bad as the "real" bad words, and they too should be avoided at all costs. Using insults hurt other people; using bad words can hurt both you and others. Is it worth it to use either?

As I gave my speech about Bleep! at the school I mentioned above, I mentioned this concept and stared straight at the two girls I heard. Did they understand what I was trying to tell them? I don't know. But I certainly hope they did.