This past week was Pesach Sheni, the “second Passover,” and it offers us a powerful window into something much deeper than makeup offerings and second chances.

We learn about Pesach Sheni through the story of a group of men who were tamei (ritually impure) and couldn’t bring the Korban Pesach at the proper time. They came to Moshe Rabbeinu with a heartfelt question: Why should we miss out on this mitzvah?

Moshe, the greatest prophet and teacher in history—who knew the entire Torah—did not answer right away. Instead, he said:

“Stand and I will hear what Hashem will command you.” (Bamidbar 9:8)

We see the same thing in this week’s parsha (Emor), when a man cursed Hashem’s name publicly. The people brought him to Moshe—but once again, Moshe paused and turned to Hashem for instruction.

But didn’t Moshe know what to do?

He did.

So why didn’t he just say it?

The answer lies in the repeated phrase throughout the Torah:
“Vayidaber Hashem el Moshe leimor” — “Hashem spoke to Moshe to say.”

Hashem wasn’t just giving him information. He was giving him permission. Until Moshe was explicitly instructed to share, he held back—even if he already knew the answer.

And with that restraint, Moshe teaches us one of the most powerful leadership lessons in the Torah:

Just because you know something, doesn’t mean you should say it.

In a world obsessed with being first to comment, quick to advise, and desperate to be heard, Moshe shows us a different kind of strength—the strength to stay silent until the right time. The strength to honor what was shared in confidence. The strength to say, “It’s not mine to share yet.”

Whether it’s private information, sensitive conversations, or someone else’s story—true greatness is knowing when to stay silent.

Because the Torah isn’t just about what we say.
It’s about what we don’t say.
It’s about humility, restraint, and respect for boundaries.

And if Moshe Rabbeinu—who knew everything—could say, “Let me ask Hashem,” then so can we.

Sometimes the holiest words…
are the ones we choose not to say.