The Eighth Portion of the Chumash / Book of Leviticus begins as G-d directs Moses to tell (Emor in Hebrew) the elder priests to educate the younger priests regarding the laws of priesthood. This is followed by the laws regarding the cycle of festivals in the Jewish calendar.

G-d spoke to Moses saying, “speak to Aaron.”

The Torah generally uses two Hebrew words for “speaking”. The first “dibur” is reserved for “hard speech”, the straightforward accurate delivery of a message. The second “amirah” is “soft speech”, i.e., tailoring the message to its intended recipient to ensure that it is indeed received and clearly understood.

The first part which highlights the need to educate the younger priests is said in “soft speech.” It is only when G-d returns to the other laws concerning the priests that He once again uses “hard speech”.

An important lesson in education indeed. We must educate primarily using “soft speech”. In order to be effective, educators must relate fully to their students and tailor their style of delivery accordingly.

Wishing you a successful week followed by a meaningful Shabbat.
With our continued prayers for the IDF and our brothers and sisters in Israel and the world over for an everlasting peace with Moshiach speedily in our days.