While Judaism is often thought of as a sound-filled religion — God uses speech to utter the world into existence, and synagogues and study halls are often places of audible prayer and learning— silence has its place in the Jewish textual tradition. The high priest Aaron reacts to the death of his two sons with silence, and Pirkei Avot praises silence as a "fence to wisdom." Sources throughout the centuries discuss the place and value of silence.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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A Time for Silence and a Time for Speech
TANAKH
Life's rhythm includes moments for silence and moments for speech, each with its own significance. Ecclesiastes, a book from the Hebrew Bible, reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the wisdom in recognizing the right time for each action.
The Power of Silence
TANAKH
In the book of Leviticus, two sons of the high priest Aaron die when they offer God "a strange fire that God had not commanded." Aaron reacts to the news of God's judgment of his sons with silence.
The Silence of the Grave
TANAKH
The concept of silence in death underscores the urgency of praising God while alive. The book of Psalms, a biblical anthology of poems, emphasizes the importance of life as the time to worship God.
The Value of Silence
MISHNAH
Silence can at times be more valuable than excessive speech. Pirkei Avot, a tractate of the Mishnah, offers ethical teachings and maxims from the rabbis, emphasizing the importance of actions over words.
Annoying or Ratifying
TALMUD
The interpretation of silence in the context of a husband's reaction to his wife's vows can reveal whether his silence is meant to annoy her or ratify the vow. The talmudic tractate Nedarim explores the complexities of vows, including the conditions under which they can be nullified or ratified.
The Sacred Silence of Torah Reading
KABBALAH
The act of maintaining silence during the public Torah reading is likened to the singular divine utterance at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the sanctity and glory of the Torah. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, underscores the spiritual significance of silence during Torah readings, drawing parallels to the revelation at Mount Sinai.
The Voice from the Silence
COMMENTARY
Rashi's interpretation of a "voice coming out of the silence" offers an understanding of divine communication, emphasizing the subtlety and depth of God's presence. Rashi, the eminent 11th-century French biblical commentator, explores the encounter of Elijah with a "small, still voice" on Mount Horeb.
The Profound Silence
MIDRASH
Silence can be more profound than words, especially during significant life events. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, an early medieval midrashic work, explores the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of silence in various life events.
Guidelines for Mourning
HALAKHAH
The guidelines for a mourner's social interactions emphasize the importance of silence and restraint to reflect their state of grief. In the Mishneh Torah, Rambam (Maimonides) provides detailed instructions on the customs and restrictions for mourners during different stages of the mourning period.
The Value of Silence
JEWISH THOUGHT
Silence can reflect humility and an awareness of a relationship with the divine. Bachya ibn Pekudah, in Duties of the Heart, emphasizes the importance of inner devotion and ethical conduct, highlighting the value of silence as a reflection of thoughtful speech and introspection.
The Consequences of Breaking Silence
REFERENCE
The consequences of breaking silence or remaining silent in politically charged contexts can be profound and far-reaching. This historical account involves Rabbi Simeon ben Yochai, a prominent Jewish sage who was forced into hiding due to his outspoken criticism of Roman rule.
The Wisdom of Silence
MUSAR
Choosing silence can arguably prevent regret and negative consequences. The medieval ethical work "Mivchar HaPeninim" by Solomon ibn Gabirol offers timeless wisdom on the value of thoughtful speech.
The Divine Nature of Silence
COMMENTARY
God's presence is found not in grandiose natural phenomena but in a "still, small voice." Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes about a pivotal moment in the prophet Elijah's life, emphasizing the importance of that still, small voice as a means of divine communication.
Elijah's Final Moments
COMMENTARY
The impending silence of the prophet Elijah signifies his imminent departure from the world. A contemporary study of the book of Kings explores the textual and moral issues surrounding the prophet Elijah's ascension to heaven.
The Power of Silent Prayer
CHASIDUT
Silent prayer, particularly the Amidah (standing prayer), has the power to create deep connections with the divine and elevate one's spiritual state. The Ba'al Shem Tov, the founder of Chasidic Judaism, teaches about the transformative potential of sincere, silent prayer.
The Power of Silent Empathy
JEWISH THOUGHT
In times of suffering, sometimes the most powerful response is silent companionship and empathy. This excerpt from Erica Brown's work on the Three Weeks period highlights a rebbe's choice to stand in solidarity with a young man, emphasizing the profound impact of presence over words.
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