Speak No Ill Chofetz Chaim Daily

Hello and Sabbath Greetings Grafted In Readers,

This post we are going to look at some advisements on how to tame our speech, our tongue. There is a Jewish website devoted to improving one's speech named after a nineteenth century Jewish Author from Poland whose name is Chofetz Chaim.

Below are a few advisements taken from the website, Chofetz Chaim Daily. These are short and concise advisements.

I hope you derive benefit from these nuggets of wisdom. Let me know!

Note: LH means Lashon Hara, evil speech.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 1 Taamuz 2:3 If one was in group of 3 that heard LH, SOME say that he may repeat the story, because we assume it is now public knowledge. However, even this view only allows random repeating, not with intention to spread story. 2:4 Applies only to those who heard in group of 3 Chofetz Chaim Daily

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CHOFETZ CHAIM 

Chofetz Chaim Daily 30 Sivan 2:1 The sin of LH increases with amount of people listening to you speak. 2:2 Something that can be understood as neutral/slightly negative is mutar to say before three people. It will get back to the subject so the speaker obviously is not intending for the negative interpretation.

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 29 Sivan 1:8 Asur to write or hint LH. 1:9 Asur even if one degrades himself at the same time.

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 28 Sivan 1:5 It doesnt matter who is asking for information, it is always asur to speak LH. 1:6 Asur even if it will cause a financial loss, even job loss. 1:7 Asur to speak LH even if it will create an awkward/embarrassing situation.

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 26 Sivan. Beginning of LH laws 1:1 Asur to speak negatively about anyone. If true, called LH. If false, Motsi Shem Ra. Biblical source: Lo selech Rachil 1:2 This is the specific verse for LH, there are many other sins one transgresses as well. Chofetz Chaim Daily 27 Sivan 1:3 Someone who habitually speaks LH is called

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 Chofetz Chaim Daily 24 Sivan. 13)Midvar Sheker tirchak, if its a lie. 14)Vihalachta bidrachav, to act like Hashem and not speak LH. This concludes positive commandments. Chofetz Chaim Daily 25 Sivan Arurin: 1)Arur makeh reiehu basaser. Curse for one who speaks LH. 2) Arur mashgeh iver baderech. Curse for one who places stumbling block 3)Arur asher lo yakim es divrei

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 23 Sivan 11)Es Hashem Elokecha tira. Fear G-d. 12) Limud HaTorah. One could have been learning instead of speaking LH

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 22 Sivan 9)V’kidashto. Do not speak LH about a Kohen in front of him. 10)Kabed es avicha v’es imecha. Also applies to step parents and older brother

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Chofetz Chaim Daily 21 Sivan 7)Umikdashi tiraoo. Do not speak LH in shul. 8)V’hadarta pnei zaken. Do not speak LH about a chacham or old person, definitely not in front of them.Chofetz 

Note: For more detailed study of these advisements see "Ethics of Speech Archive" at torah.org.

May God bless and keep us.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

From My Red Chair Part Four: Make Memories! (Mellow Rock)

Hello Grafted in Readers,

Today is Wednesday June 25, 2025 in my corner of blog land.

We have had a multi-day heatwave here with temps in the mid nineties most afternoons and low seventies overnight. Cooler today as I send this blog post into the blogosphere.

Thanks Thanks Thanks

According to statistics viewed this morning, sixty-one persons have viewed my story,

The Chronic Complainer, posted at:

https://spillwords.com/the-chronic-complainer

and if you are or were among those readingh, my sincerest thanks to you! It is still there for those choosing to read!

Making Memories

I woke to a radio station playing traditional jazz and song standards this morning, WBGO in Newar, NJ. The host played a song by Stevie Wonder from 1972, and mentioned that same year he and the Rolling Stones toured together in the U.S.A.

I found this little snippet describing their concert from RollingStone.cxom

rolling-stones-stevie-wonder-u…

 

 In the spring of 1972, Stevie Wonder released Music of My Mind and the Rolling Stones put out Exile on Main Street. Both albums were instant hits, with the former’s reaching Number 21 on the Billboard 200 and Exile reaching Number One. So when the Stones recruited Wonder, then just 22, to open up their summer tour that year, it was an unstoppable combo that became even more exciting when Wonder joined the Stones at four dates for a medley of his 1966 hit “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” and the Stones’ hit from the previous year, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” as the encore.

On July 26th, the second of two nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Mick Jagger helped Wonder to his piano and the horn section got loose. Eventually they kicked into “Uptight” with its trumpet flourishes and Wonder sang the song with his own band backing him up. Jagger snuck up behind Wonder and clapped his hands, and eventually helped him to center stage when the song transitioned into “Satisfaction,” which Jagger took the lead on. Wonder joined in on the “and I try” parts, and the two singers started dancing in one of the most jubilant onstage rave-ups of their respective careers, jumping and holding hands and throwing things around the stage.

I recall some memories of my own in 1972 when but twenty years-old. Most are fond recalls, extraordinary to me at the time, but in hindsight ordinary for a twenty-something person. Thankfully, we humans may focus on our good, joyful, embraced memories more than the darker, dissatisfying memories of life.

This concludes our little series giving some focus to mental health. Make memories worth keeping!

Until next visit, may God bless and keep us!

David C. Russell, Author

Mellow Rock

     

Story: The Chronic Complainer (David C. Russell

Hello Grafted In Reader,

As a part of our series, From My Red Chair, we have been focusing on mental health themes the last few posts.

In this post, you are invited to read my story, The Chronic Complainer. The Main Character, Haley, is in therapy to treat her chronic complaining, loneliness, and cynicism.

This story is at:

https://spillwords.com/the-chronic-complainer

and I am its author.

If you like the story please indicate on the tab to vote yes once read. Thank you!

May the Lord continue to bless and keep us.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

     

Part Three: Mental Health Tips (Mellow Rock, David C. Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Friday June 13, 2025 in my corner of blog land. No, I'm not given to many of the Friday The Thirteenth advisements that are popular in Western culture. I do like a good mystery read, classic Edgar Alan Poe or Alfred Hitchcock cinema suits me fine.

This post is part three in our series focused on mental health and well-being. I am currently revising a small collection of six short stories with mental health as the overall theme. I will say more of this topic in future posts.

Here is our tip for this post from National Health Service based in the UK:

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

Do

if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together

arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while

try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family

have lunch with a colleague

visit a friend or family member who needs support or company

volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group.

Yes, we are challenged to be naturally social these days or so it seems. Some of us may be more private or outgoing than others. Probably working within our temperment to be inclusive is a way to practice some of the above tips. Your thoughts welcomed!

Until next post, thank you for dropping by. May the Lord bless and keep us!

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

Part II: From My Red Chair (David C. Russell, Mellow Rock)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Monday, June 9, 2025 in my corner of blog land. The school year ends later this week for students K/12 in my corner of blog land..

We are spending a few posts focused on mental health observations, and also sharing progress and snippets from my forthcoming title, From My Red Chair.

This is a self-anthology of five short stories with the indirect theme of mental health issues facing story characters.

Today, we are going to scratch the surface on the following:

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests several tips for improving mental health, including prioritizing sleep, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet. 

Note: According to the Governmental Agency, Center for Disease Control, 43% of us are overweight in North America, and 67% (two-thirds) of us in North America are on the obesity continuum. We eat a lot and often.

As to sleep, the NIMH cites favorable stats. we're doing pretty good overall! North American adults sleep an average of 6.8 hours per day, and the recommendation is seven hours sleep daily.

My biggest challenge is the bedtime snack: faves are corregated chips or popped corn.

What is one of your comfort food faves? Do comment please!

Until next visit around (June 13) God bless and keep us.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

Story samples at:

https://www.spillwords.com/author/davidcrussell

From My Red Chair (Mellow Rock)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is June 5, 2025 in my corner of blog land.

For a few posts, we are going to touch on mental health. Basically, find wisdom from reputable places to help our own understanding of God-given mental health.

I have a book that will be released in a few months of five short stories. Each has a situation related to mental health of the character or characters.

Its title, From My Red Chair" the same as this 'mini-series.'

Our first observation, today, is pasted from the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH. Thankfully, this agency still exists!

OBSERVATION

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life.

Note: Hmm, mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. That's my takeaway from this snippet.

If you'd like to share your takeaway from this, please comment.

I will be back to share another observation for us in five days.

Yes, you may share this and invite others along, too!

May God continue to bless and keep us.

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell, Author

Popular Lyrics, New Words? (mellow rock)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Monday June 2, 2025 in my corner of blog land.

First, to those who have a Judeo-Christian faith practice, may you have a refreshing celebration of Pentecost (Shavuot) in Hebrew. In some circles Shavuot began June 1 and runs until sunset June 3. In other circles, this holiday commemorating God giving his Word to the Children of Israel as they traveled to new land from Egypt, is celebrated June 8-9 this year.   

Pentecost or Shavuot had been observed for centuries prior to the CE (common era) fifty days after Passover and a Springtime festival in the Holy Land. The Christian world considers this holiday to be the beginnings of the church. 

Words

I found this online concerning the most popular word in song lyrics: here's the answer.

Love, love, love

I got love

You got love

We got love

Everybody’s got looooooove!

I offer you a few words that we can all use on occasion in conversation

- panegoric:  A eulogistic oration or writing:

- pundit:  a messenger, Monsignor, Reverend;

- obviate:  to remove a problem or make it unnecessary;

- obsequious:  Someone too eager to agree or help someone.

Paraphrased from either Collins Online, or Cambridge online dictionaries, respectively.

Writing News **

"From My Red Chair" is a four-story collection around the theme of mental health. Plans to edit and publish are to begin this week. I hope to offer it to interested readers in about four months.

Until next visit, The Lord bless and keep us. Happy conversations, too!

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author