In honor of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the TCA Middle School launched a meaningful initiative titled “The Power of Speech: Lashon Hara and Lashon Tov Awareness Campaign.” They began the program by reflecting on the deeper meaning of the month of Iyar. Iyar is often seen as a time for self-growth and personal refinement—a bridge between the redemption of Yetziat Mitzrayim (leaving Egypt) and the spiritual elevation of Matan Torah (receiving the Torah at Shavuot). Each day of Iyar, we count the Omer, marking our progress not just through time, but through our own journey of moral and spiritual improvement. It is during this month that we strive to transform ourselves, becoming more aware of our actions and the impact we have on others. It is in this spirit of growth that TCA chose to focus on the power of speech—specifically the destructive force of Lashon Hara and the incredible potential of Lashon Tov. The campaign was inspired by the tragic loss of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva during the Omer period due to the way they treated each other. This loss is a powerful reminder that how we speak to and about one another deeply matters.
To raise awareness and spark meaningful conversation, students viewed three impactful videos. The first video illustrated how words have the power to either darken the world or illuminate it. It showed that negativity and criticism cast a shadow—but that we can choose to “Be the Light” by using our speech to uplift, encourage and heal. The second video featured an interview with Ivanka Trump, who reflected on how she chooses not to respond to personal attacks. She shared that through her conversion to Judaism, she studied the laws of Lashon Hara and came to understand that harmful speech is not just damaging to others—it damages the speaker as well. She powerfully stated that even the fleeting satisfaction of speaking negatively about someone isn’t worth the spiritual harm it causes to one’s own soul.
After these two videos, students received two small candy treats shaped like lips—each with a lesson: One pair of lips symbolized the importance of closing our mouths and holding back from speaking Lashon Hara or engaging in negative, hurtful speech. The other pair reminded us of the power of opening our mouths to say something kind, encouraging and positive—to “Be the Light” with our words. The program concluded with a final video, which drove home the message that even small, seemingly harmless comments can cause deep and lasting damage. It reminded us that we must pause and think before we speak about others.
Through this campaign, TCA hopes to encourage the students to be more thoughtful, deliberate and kind in their speech. In a month devoted to personal growth, they are learning that one of the most powerful tools for change is not just in what we do—but in what we say.
