The Sages explore how each aspect of the Temple cult and priestly ritual was directed at securing atonement for specific sins. For the sin of Lashon Ha-Ra – gossip and derogation of another – forgiveness is sought through the Ketoret… the incense offered in the Holy of Holies by the High Priest himself (Arakhin 16a). Why incense?
Rabbi Yishmael suggests that atonement for Lashon Ha-Ra is relegated to the privacy of the Temple’s inner sanctum because it is a sin often committed in presumably secretive communications.
Smoke from the burning incense creates a cloud. Lashon Ha-ra beclouds the judgment of those who hear it. Once released, neither smoke nor Lashon Ha-Ra can be retrieved or contained. The intensity of the smoke – like Lashon Ha-Ra – may dissipate… but evidence of its pungent presence tends to linger.
In some cultures, burning incense is used to measure time: we are reminded of just how long the harm from Lashon Ha-Ra can persist.
Temple incense was made from 16 different ingredients. Lashon Ha-Ra is a compound sin: harming the gossiper, those who hear the gossip, and the individual being maligned. No single gesture of regret can undo the damage.
Incense, used to suggest God’s immanence, atones for a sin ignoring the Divine Image in every human being.
Lashon Ha-ra just stinks!
Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser is the rabbi of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey and the editor of “Masorti: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism.” The latest edition of Masorti was published online in December of 2024. A subscription is $18 per annum.
Rabbi Yishmael suggests that atonement for Lashon Ha-Ra is relegated to the privacy of the Temple’s inner sanctum because it is a sin often committed in presumably secretive communications.