SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM Todays learning should be a merit for Mordechai Yisroel ben Chaya that H-shem should grant him clarity) Day 13 and 14 While statements which have a negative connotation are prohibited, this would not apply where the listener can be expected to understand that nothing derogatory was intended. Therefore, halachah permits making an ambiguous statement if: (1) Nothing derogatory is intended; and (2) The unintended meaning of the statement is only mildly derogatory; and (3) The statement is made in the presence of three people or in the presence of the person being discussed. As an illustration, the early commentators offer the statement, “In that house, something is always cooking on the stove.” This could mean that this family’s door is always open to guests, or it can mean that the family is overindulgent. If the statement were to be made in the presence of three, one can safely assume that it would eventually become known to the family of whom it was said. Such being the case, the listeners would assume that the speaker intended it as a compliment. It would also be permissible to make such a statement in the presence of the family of whom it is said, since it would be obvious to all that there was no derogatory intent. The Torah states: Do not go as a gossipmonger among your people (Vayikra 19:16). From the word among your people, our Sages derive that it is forbidden to speak loshon hora about a Jew only when he is one who acts in the way of your people. It is not shameful to focus on the shortcomings of a wicked person. The term “wicked person” refers to a malicious offender. However, one who sins out of ignorance or temptation is in the category of amecha and it is forbidden to speak loshon hora about him (unless it is for a constructive purpose, as will be discussed later To be continued ....
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 17:31:31 +0000
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