Parashat Metzora

Parashat Metzora

Q&A about Lashon Hara

by Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon
Founder and Board Chairman, JobKatif

Q: What is the importance of not speaking Lashon Hara, gossiping?

A: In Bamidbar Raba (Midrash on Metzora chapter 2) a story is told about a peddler that was selling the elixir of life. People would gather around the man, all desiring to know his secret. He would then pull out a book of Tehillim, Psalms and read “Mi Haeish Hachafetz Chaim, Ohave Yamim…Natzor Leshoncha Merah,” “Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil…”

Q: Why is it that guarding one’s tongue is an elixir of life?

A: Long life isn’t a reward for not speaking Lashon Hara but a direct outcome. A person that is used to speaking badly about others, is not able to see good. When a person becomes used to speaking good, it becomes habitual to see the good in others.  He will then consequently look at all his surroundings with a good and positive outlook. A person like this is kinder, happier and will as a result live longer.

Q: What are the basic foundations of the prohibitions against Lashon Hara?

A: The Rambam explains that Lashon Hara is prohibited even if it is the truth. Societal norms see gossip in a different way than the Torah does. Gossip is usually considered something that is not true and slanderous. However, the Torah also prohibits things that are true. Lashon Hara can also be against an entire group. It is also prohibited to say Lashon Hara to relatives and to speak about relatives.

Q: Are there any cases where one is allowed to speak Lashon Hara?

A: The Gemarah in Shavout 39b discusses a person who is going to do business with someone else and needs to check if he is honest. Rav Yisroel Maier Hacohen wrote a book on the Halachot of Lashon Hara called “Chafetz Chaim.” He concludes that in this type of case, a person would be allowed to speak Lashon Hara to prevent any possible damages. Therefore, it is permissible for a person to clarify details about another before he makes a deal with him. This is also true about shidduchim.

However, we should also make sure of the necessity of the details we share.  One must always make sure that it will do more good then damage. That all the details we share are relevant to the matter at hand.

Lashon Hara is not a simple Mitzvah to keep. However, who ever makes it habitual to speak good and only see the positive in others and in his surroundings will ultimately enjoy a better and happier life.

Shabbat Shalom!