So in response, when a Jew keeps Shabbat and holds onto their heritage, they achieve a profound victory. And despite all the obstacles, we continue to live with the spirit of Judaism alive within us.

As we marked Yom HaShoah this past week, I was reflecting on my time at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. While studying in Jerusalem, I dedicated several days to fully experience and understand the depth of what happened. It is an experience that leaves a lasting imprint.

One remarkable story that stands out is that of the Jews in Albania. Astonishingly, Albania had a larger Jewish population after World War II than before. Before the war, there were about 200 Jews; afterward, there were around 2,000.

How was this possible?
Much of the explanation lies in a deeply rooted value known as “Besa”, a code of honour that means keeping one’s word. In Albania, a promise is sacred. People stood by their commitments, often at great personal risk.

With this attitude they managed to withstand the pressure from without and stay strong to their values of saving innocent lives even at great risk. That’s how they stood out in saving the Jewish population in Albania. By being careful and truthful with their words, they built a community of trust and responsibility, one that ultimately helped save lives.

In this week’s Parsha, we are reminded of the concept of “Lashon Hara,” the Torah’s teaching about the power of speech. We shouldn’t speak negatively about others, because words are never trivial; they carry real weight and consequences.

Just as harmful words can cause damage, positive words have the power to uplift, heal, and even transform. If we are mindful with what we say, choosing kindness, honesty, and encouragement, we can help create an atmosphere that builds, protects, and sustains others.

Let’s choose our words carefully. Let’s be careful about words and only say positive ones, for we may even create a culture around us that can save lives.

Shabbat Shalom