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Lesson #2c

Please verbalize or
have in mind that you are studying this material as a merit for a specific
single and/or Jewish singles throughout the world.

Halachah

#1

Severity of
Habitual Loshon Horah

1. In Tehilim (12, 4) Dovid Hamelech states that Hashem will
   cut off the lips (in the world to come) of those who speak loshon horah.  Does
   that mean that if I occasionally slip I will lose my lips?

1. No.  This severe punishment is reserved for those who
   habitually and maliciously speak loshon horah with no regard for Hashem’s commandment. 
   These people are referred to by our sages as Baalei Loshon Horah;
   as if to say that they own the sin as a result of their constant violation. 
   However, as we learned yesterday, even with one violation a person will
   transgress numerous positive and negative commandments of Hashem.

1. The Tosefta in Meseches Peah states that the sin of Loshon
   horah is worse than the 3 cardinal sins and that one who speaks loshon
   horah will lose his portion in the world to come.  Is this also only referring
   to one who habitually speaks loshon horah?

1. Yes.

#2

Pressure
from Parent

1. My Father is demanding that I share with him an incident
   that happened at work and I know it’s going to lead to loshon horah.  Am I
   obligated to obey my father in this case?

1. It is forbidden for you to accede to your father’s demand if
   it will lead to loshon horah.  The same would be true if your Rebbi would make
   such a demand.  Hashem created us all and His commandments take priority
   over anyone else’s.

Aggadah

This section is
formatted as a conversation between Oded and Menaseh.   Oded is encouraging his
friend Menaseh to be more careful in guarding his tongue from evil speech.  The
thoughts in this section are primarily based on the sefer, Shmiras Haloshon.

Oded:  Since we always invoke the merit of our
forefathers in our prayers it behooves us to follow in the footsteps of Yaakov
Avinu as well.

Menaseh:  Regarding what?

Oded:  As we mentioned yesterday, Yaakov Avinu
detoured from his destination for 14 years in order to fortify himself with
Torah so that he may withstand the trials the house of Lavan would present. 
How crucial it is in today’s day and age to fortify our children with many
years of Torah study before they head out into today’s spiritual wasteland.

Menaseh:  Why are putting such a strong emphasis on
this point?

Oded:  For the benefit of your sons as well as your
own.

Menaseh:  How does this benefit me personally?

Oded:  Aside from the fact that your son will succeed
in his ways as Yaakov did, something that will undoubtedly give you great
pleasure, you will also avoid terrible embarrassment in the world to come.

Menaseh:  If my son doesn’t learn it will be a source
of great embarrassment to me?

Oded:  Yes.  We will elaborate on that tomorrow.  But
suffice it to say that the short term benefit of your son getting an early
start in his career will be far outweighed by the long term damage that will
result.

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Sources

Halachah

1) Sefer Chofetz Chaim Sec. 1 Chap. 1 Par.
3, 4

2) Sefer Chofetz Chaim Sec. 1 Chap. 1 Par. 5

Agaddah

Sefer Shmiras Haloshon Sha’ar Hatevunah Chap. 9