Simcha, Light, Unity, Lashon Tov and the Coming of the Moshiach

by Elisheva bas Chana

Art by Sefira Lightstone

Judaism does not believe in freedom of speech; there are certain ways of saying something. When we speak about other people, Kabbalah teaches us that speech itself has an effect beyond the way in which we say something to one another.

The Torah prohibits speaking Lashon hara; even listening has a negative impact, not only on the person who makes themselves guilty of Lashon hara — it affects the person spoken about as well, even if he or she did not hear it. Words matter!

Chazal teach us to judge every Jew favourably, trying to understand them — walk a mile in their shoes.

HaShem created the world with words, and He has given us the power to create or destroy relationships with words. We often learn about Lashon hara, but not so much about Lashon tov. If it is a transgression to speak badly about other Jews, then it is a mitzvah to speak well about them.

So, if Lashon hara is meant to break someone, Lashon tov is meant to build someone up. But there is a hidden truth about the power of Lashon hara:

The Rambam says: whoever speaks well about his neighbour in the presence of his enemy is guilty of a form of Lashon hara, since this will provoke the enemy to speak badly about him.

The issue is not whether the praises are moderate or excessive, but in what context they are delivered.

Lashon tov follows the mitzvah “Love your fellow Jew.” Seeing the good in one another and telling them is a way of helping them grow. As much as we praise HaShem, we should also praise our fellow Jew.

The first of the Thirteen Tenets of faith is: I believe with complete emunah that HaShem — ב"ה — is the Creator and Ruler of all creations, and He alone did, does, and will do every single deed.

Everything that happens in the world comes from HaShem. The light of HaShem is Divine in goodness and spiritual guidance. This light is often hidden, according to the Zohar. The original light created on the first day was hidden for the future, representing pure goodness without strict justice.

HaShem has given us Divine guidance in finding Him in all aspects of life, especially during challenging times. We too have this light — an internal light, our potential, joy, and connection to HaShem — through learning Torah and teaching all we know to others, by performing mitzvos, all of them, with simcha.

Light is needed for our survival. Without it, the world would be a dark place where nothing can exist. When we shine our light, it illuminates the world, like light that comes from one source and lights another object. This light was given to us at Har Sinai. The light of Torah gives us insight, wisdom, and guidance everywhere we go — at home, at work, in shul, and in all we do.

The Menorah symbolises the Jewish people and its mission to be “a light unto the nations.”

Every word of Torah shares the same source as the word ora — light. The words of Torah shine a light on life and are a light unto our path.

When we are feeling overwhelmed by negative influences or anxiety from life’s challenges, we can find purpose in all our feelings. Increase our inner light and shine.

The oneness of the Jewish people is the work of one G-D, HaShem. When we make an effort to be united — as the Torah tells us — we take responsibility for one another. “As long as we are united, nothing will stop us from reaching our goal.” — Bereshis 11:6.

The spark within will turn into a flame when we work together to serve HaShem. To be part of His plan, we need to be a team. Our mission may be different for everyone, but like a song, when one note is missing the song is incomplete.

When darkness is all around us, it is the light of Torah that pushes the darkness away. When we learn Torah, love our fellow Jew, judge others favourably, daven, perform mitzvos, do chesed, and give tzedakah, our light will shine so brightly that it could bring the Moshiach immediately.

But when we do not believe in the coming of the Moshiach, or we are not waiting for his arrival, we are rejecting not only the prophets, but the Torah and Moshe as well, as the Torah promised his arrival.

HaShem will bring you back from golus, and He will have rachmones upon you. He will once again gather you… Even if your exile is at the end of the heavens, HaShem your G-D will bring you to the land of your forefathers. — Devarim 30:3–5.

We are waiting for the Moshiach to come; together with peace, it will bring the world the truth of Torah. Belief in the coming of the Moshiach is, in a deeper sense, belief in the geulah.

Belief in the truth of Torah. Belief that HaShem created the world and everything that lives and exists, and that the Torah is the blueprint for how to live our lives.

At any moment we are worthy of geulah. HaShem will direct the Moshiach to take his role as redeemer. The Thirteen Tenets are a belief in the ultimate redemption — a world of peace, of true happiness, and filled with Torah wisdom.

And all the nations will know HaShem.

The Rambam says that with the coming of Moshiach the whole world will be filled with the knowledge of HaShem as the waters cover the sea, and it will be clear that the only true G-D is HaShem. In golus, nature masks the oneness of HaShem to make it appear as though there is someone other than HaShem, but when Moshiach comes it will be clear to the nations that HaShem is Ein Od Milvado.

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Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.