A Ta’anit Dibbur, which was established in earlier generations and many people customarily still perform today, refers to an order whereby one completely abstains from any non-Torah-related speech; for the duration of the entire day, only words of Torah and prayer emerge from the individual’s mouth. Even with regards to speaking words which one needs to say for a necessary purpose and pose no prohibition whatsoever, such as, “Please pass me the bread” and the like, one abstains from such speech as well while observing the Ta’anit Dibbur and only words of Torah and fear of Heaven are spoken on this day.
Until the day one dies, one must cause one’s self to suffer, not through fasts and self-inflicted torture, rather, through restraining one’s mouth and desires. This is true repentance, the fruit of the World to Come, and is worth more than all of the fasts and afflictions in the world. For every moment that one holds one’s tongue in this world, one merits as a result a hidden light that no angel or creation can ever imagine.
- Vilna Gaon Sefer Alim Li'Trufah.
When one wishes to accept a fast upon one’s self, it is better to pursue a Ta’anit Dibbur than a regular fast. - Mishnah Berura (Chapter 571)
1. How often do we think about our own personal power of speech?
2. What is the longest time you have gone without speaking to someone? Without communicating with someone?
3. Do we value speech as a society?