‘Reclaim the F-Word’ says Mineola’s Rabbi Perl

Amid renewed attention to the tone of public discourse — including President Trump’s recent use of coarse language — a Long Island rabbi is encouraging a different approach, one rooted in respect, connection and intentional communication.

Rabbi Anchelle Perl, director of Chabad of Mineola and host of the “Jewish Talk” radio program on Sunday mornings, has launched a “Reclaim the F-Word” initiative promote more thoughtful speech in everyday life.

“When leaders speak with dignity, they elevate the room,” Rabbi Perl said. “When parents model thoughtful speech, children inherit that mindset. A society is shaped not only by its laws, but by its conversations.”

“Not long ago, certain words were clearly out of bounds in public life. Today, they’ve become conversational punctuation,” he continued. “This is not just a linguistic shift — it’s a cultural one. Instead of complaining, we are proposing something constructive: a reclamation project.”

“If the world had more moments of genuine connection, we might need fewer harsh words,” Rabbi Perl said.

At the center of the initiative is a reframing of the letter “F” as a symbol for positive values. Rather than focusing on restricting language, the campaign encourages people to associate “F” with concepts such as faith, focus, forgiveness, forward progress, fortitude and farbrengen (a Chassidic gathering centered on conversation, storytelling and shared experience).

“None of this is catastrophic,” he said, “but none of it is insignificant either. Language shapes atmosphere. It influences how we disagree, how we lead, and how we treat one another.”

While the message carries a serious goal, Rabbi Perl hopes the campaign will feel approachable.

“My two favorite F-words?” he joked. “Farbrengen — and French fries. Don’t underestimate what good conversation over a plate of fries can accomplish.”