Lesson 1 - in answer to your questions
Q. whats the deal about saying lashon hora about people who are not Jewish. It says, “Do not go around as a gossiper among your people” (Leviticus 19:16), and a non-Jew is not “your people.”
A. Obviously, one is forbidden to slander others, for every type of falsehood is always forbidden. Yet the fact that something is permitted does not mean it is recommended. After we left Egypt, on the way to the Land, we spoke Lashon Hara against G-d and against Moses, and G-d unleashed serpents on us. How did that happen? Our sages explain: “The nations refused to allow us to cross through their land and we were forced to make a long, tiring detour, and we spoke Lashon Hara about those nations.. This led us to speak Lashon Hara about G-d and about Moses. Be careful! i) It is a bad habit which could lead to talking other Lashon Hara that is forbidden; ii) It would cause a Chilul Hashem (desecration of God’s name) if they knew you spoke Lashon Hara about them. The rule is this: Guard your tongue! Preserve the purity of your lips!
Lesson 2
In matters of shidduchim or married couples, the subject of lashon hora is a very serious one. Lives can be ruined. Relationships that should exist might be destroyed and destructive relationships might be brought into unjustifiable existence. Children may be crushed. Generations who should be born may not be. Don’t act on your own. Take practical questions to a qualified person. The laws differ for one asking questions and for one replying.
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Lashon Hora = Saying a derogatory/negative statement about someone else that is TRUE
Motzi Shaim Ra (Defamation of Character) = Saying a derogatory statement that is FALSE
About Whom is it Forbidden to Speak Lashon Hora - Any Individual Jew - Alive or not, - adult or child, family member (spouse, in-laws, parent, child, siblings), groups/sects of Jews, Entire Jewish Nation
Important Numbers
