Lesson 06
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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
- 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?
- 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.
- 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?
- Yes.
#2
Pressure
from Parent
- 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?
- 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