Before speaking, consider the potential impact that your words may have on others.

Given the ultimate impact that the words, “with whomever you find your gods, that person shall not live!” uttered by Jacob to his father–in-law, Laban, had on his wife Rachel, it is difficult on the surface to understand why he would say such a thing.

To place these words in proper context, read this illuminating analysis entitled “How Dare You Accuse Me!” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Vayeitzei 5768-2007. Out of respect for the Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.