Why are you Saying?
Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA, Albert Mehrabian, is known for the 7-38-55 rule. When communicating with others 7% is the weight of the words, 38% your tone, and 55% is body language. Communication is so much more than the spoken word!
In this weeks portion; Devarim, Moses communicates his parting words to the Jews as they ready themselves to enter the land of Israel. This whole book of Deuteronomy recounts Moses and his rebuke, encouragement, and communication with his people. What is truly noteworthy is the way that Moses rebukes them. He understood the tremendous temptations and challenges they would face and lets them know that he knows just how difficult their tests. Rather than scold them, he uses encouragement - and instructs them to view their experiences as a guidance for the future.
Moses was one of the greatest leaders of our nation. He truly cared about his people and it showed. We can take note - when communicating with another, whether our child, a friend, or even when speaking to ourselves, we must remember HOW to give it over.
We're all about practicing what we preach. And as far as communication goes, there's a little something I'd like to share. This past week we launched a fundraising campaign to help pioneer Chabad of the Park Cities. The outpouring of love, support and friendship we received was astounding. And, with thanks to Hashem and every single donor, we reached our goal! Building a new community comes along with its own set of challenges. Seeing this community rise up and support has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you all, we are so excited for the future of CPC!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Baruch Hecht
