Submitted by Clean Speech Cincinnati
As the Jewish community here continues to grapple with the terrorist invasion of Israel and the brutal murder of over 1400 Israelis, many are turning to actions that they can do to help make a difference. Starting November 1st, over two dozen Jewish organizations in Cincinnati will join together for a month-long “Clean Speech” Challenge to honor the lives lost and help heal through community unity. The initiative, led by Rabbi Seth Cook, head of the Jewish Experience Cincinnati, encourages mindful speech as a way to help make a difference and “strengthen solidarity.”
“After the horrific violence we witnessed last week, our month-long campaign gives people something they can do personally within themselves and with the entire Jewish community around a positive effort,” says Rabbi Cook. “In honor of our brothers and sisters in Israel that have died or been taken hostage, the Clean Speech campaign stands as both a response and an opportunity to make the world a better place.”
The 30-day campaign features 2-minute daily videos focused on how we talk to one another, avoiding offensive, disrespectful, insulting remarks, the Hebrew term for which is “onas devarim.” It offers practical tools on how to handle disagreements thoughtfully, drawing insights from timeless biblical wisdom.
“Our words have consequences, and we need to use them carefully, now more than ever,” adds Cook. “Rather than watching horrible videos of terrorist’s violence, our Clean Speech campaign offers two minutes of positive video lessons that can change ourselves and our interactions with others.”
More than two dozen local organizations, schools and synagogues have signed on to participate. College students at University of Miami and University of Cincinnati will be taking on the challenge, as well as elementary, middle and high school students around the city. “The broad reach of local Jewish organizations wanting to partner on this effort is a tribute to the timeliness and relevance of this important initiative,” says Rabbi Cook.
The Clean Speech campaign began in Colorado with Rabbi Raphael Leban, who launched the first challenge in 2019 after becoming distressed at the increasingly angry discourse he observed in communities and online. Since then, over 50,000 people have participated. Impact has been significant. “We’ve conducted participant surveys, and 72% of people said the campaign changed the way they speak, 98% say that the lessons of the campaign are still having an impact on them, and more than 90% said they would participate in a campaign again.”
“Clean Speech is a unique program that is not just about what we say; It’s about who we are,” says Leban. City participation has grown. This year, besides Cincinnati and Colorado, New York City, Ottawa (Canada), and Santa Barbara will run Clean Speech campaigns in November. Cleveland, St. Louis, New Jersey, Toronto, Dallas, and the United Kingdom and Los Angeles will follow suit early in 2024.
