The Power of Words: Plant Seeds or Scatter Them – A Lesson I Learned from a Rabbi’s Seeds

By Cantor Ben – Jewish Wedding Cantor, Toronto | Founder of CoolCantor Hebrew School

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Hi, I’m Ben from CoolCantor—and today, I want to share something I wish every parent taught their child early:

Words carry power. Choose them like seeds you plant.

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🌱 Let Me Tell You a Story…

A boy once said something mean and immediately regretted it. He went to his rabbi and asked, “How do I take it back?”

The rabbi gave him a bag of seeds and said:

“Go scatter these in the wind.”

The boy obeyed and returned with the empty bag. The rabbi then instructed:

“Now go collect every seed you scattered.”

The boy looked puzzled. “Impossible—they’ve blown off, fallen into the dirt, or been eaten by birds.”

“Exactly,” said the rabbi.

“Words are like seeds. Once spoken, you can’t take them

back. Some will grow. Some will lie dormant. And some will do damage

that’s impossible to reverse. That’s why we must choose them wisely.”

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Why This Story Matters

In Judaism, we speak about Koach HaDibbur – the tremendous power of speech. Our words can uplift or crush, heal or harm.

The Torah and our tradition teach that safeguarding our

tongue is central to being a moral human. The Talmud warns that gossip

kills the reputation of three people—the one who speaks, the listener,

and the person being spoken about.

So when we gather for a Jewish wedding ceremony in

Toronto, those sacred words—whether Jewish wedding vows under the Jewish

 wedding chuppah, or a blessing at a baby naming ceremony

Jewish-style—must be delivered with intention, love, and care.

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A Life-Coaching Perspective: Words Are Like Toothpaste

Think of words like toothpaste. Once it’s squeezed out, you can’t put it back—no matter how much you try. It stains, it lingers.

But words can also heal:

•    A sincere “I’m proud of you” can elevate a child’s confidence.

•    A heartfelt apology can mend years of silent walls.

•    A word of encouragement can light a path through darkness.

At CoolCantor Hebrew School, guiding students in online

Bar Mitzvah lessons, Bat Mitzvah lessons, and Hebrew education isn’t

only about Hebrew fluency. It’s about teaching them to speak with heart

and intention. We ask ourselves before every lesson:

•    Is it true?

•    Is it kind?

•    Is it necessary?

If not, we pause before speaking—because once words fly, they can’t be unspoken.

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A Real-Life Story: Charlotte & Adam’s Wedding, and the Power of Loving Words

I met Charlotte and Adam, a wonderful Jewish couple from

Toronto, while they were planning their Jewish wedding, and had the joy

of serving as their Jewish wedding officiant. Guided by their vision, we

 created a ceremony that intertwined Jewish wedding traditions with

heartfelt moments.

From our first meeting at the Jewish wedding venue, to

selecting their Jewish wedding attire, decorations, invitations, and

music, every detail became an opportunity to speak love, faith, and hope

 into their future together.

I was deeply influenced by my mentor—a great Jewish

wedding Rabbi—who taught me that every syllable under the chuppah

matters. I’ve carried that lesson forward in my role as a Cantor: words

spoken here don’t just reach ears—they plant gardens in souls.

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Words That Build a Legacy

1. Speak to Plant Seeds of Love

In your family, speak blessings, encouragement, and gratitude.

When

 I officiated Charlotte and Adam’s

, I guided

them to whisper a blessing to each other—just the two of them, broken

lilies of love before the whole community.

2. Silence Instead of Scattering

Teach your child to pause when upset.

I always

encourage students in online Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring to stop and choose

 words with care—especially under pressure. That pause is the fence

around the speech—like a guardrail on a cliff.

3. Apologize to Heal

When we cross lines, we must build bridges.

Charlotte

wrote a warm apology to her cousin who couldn’t attend the wedding due

to travel issues. The letter warmed the family—and was read as a

blessing at their Jewish wedding reception.

4. Sow Encouragement

Words like “I believe in you” have a compound impact.

During

 Jewish baby naming ceremonies, I encourage families to speak hopes into

 each child’s heart—planting seeds for a life of purpose.

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🔥 Words Can Warm—or Burn

Words are like fire. In the fireplace, they warm and uplift. Once out of control, they can scorch homes.

Our tradition says to build fences—guardrails to protect speech, and hearts.

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Your Challenge This Week

Challenge

Description

1. Pause Before Speaking

Catch yourself before frustrated words. Speak more kindly—or hold your tongue.

2. Offer a Genuine Apology

Is there someone you need to repair with? Send a sincere, heartfelt note.

3. Share Kind Words

Compliment someone unexpectedly. Watch their face shift—and their heart soften.

Reflection Questions

•    Have you ever said something you wished you could take back—and what did you learn from it?

•    What’s the kindest thing someone has ever said to you—and how did it make you feel?

•    What will you say this week to plant a seed of love, encouragement, or hope?

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Final Thought

Your voice is your most powerful tool. Every word is a seed.

Ask yourself:

“Am I planting something that will bloom beautifully—or regretfully?”

If you’re planning a Jewish wedding in Toronto, a baby

naming ceremony, a Jewish newborn celebrations, or need support guiding

your child in bar mitzvah lessons, Hebrew school, or Judaism classes

online, consider this:

Plant seeds with love. Choose words with care. Speak with intention.

Because the right words can light a life.

And the wrong ones—well, some seeds you can’t ever collect again.

I can’t wait to hear what grows in your week.

Thanks,

Ben