Clean Speech Colorado kicks off its statewide initiative in Boulder tonight (November 6th) with their “Bringing it All HOME” event at HW Home. BJN asked Rabbi Raphael Leban 4 Questions about this program:

Q: How did you come up with this program / What inspired you to come up with this program?

A: For many years, we found that the topic of Jewish mindful speech, carefully avoiding lashon hara, has been an inspiring one for almost everyone we teach. In the current political climate, it has become even more timely. With so many stories of bitterness, broken friendships and inner community turmoil, we felt that we would have the participation of the entire community for the project. In the summer of 2018, we launched our concerted efforts. 

Q: What do you hope will come out of this effort?

A: There has already been a tremendous, beautiful sense of collegiate cooperation, as roughly 60 organizations participate in CSC. That’s one goal. And that can lead to improved communication and further participation, the likes of which have never been seen here.Also, we truly believe that when so many individuals, in such a public way, take strides forward together in their commitment to cleansing our dialogue of lashon hara, it will make a difference. Anecdotally, we have already seen so many such examples.

Q: Is there any plan to expand the program beyond Colorado?

A: We are discussing the possibilities now. Stay tuned!

Q: Will this become an annual event?

A: It’s hard to imagine that we won’t try to extend the benefits of CSC into the future. There are a variety of ways that this might take shape, and it would be premature to describe them without the involvement of the participating organizations, who are the true heroes of CSC.