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Lesson #19c

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

What kind of sins may
you not reveal?

#1

1. In a previous lesson you mentioned that if you see a
   friend who is generally G-d fearing, commit a sin, you may not reveal it
   to anyone.  What kind of sins are you referring to? 

1. All sins; whether severe in nature, like violating
   Shabbos, immoral relations, etc., or rabbinic violations; or even if they
   are merely instructions as to the more preferable way to conduct oneself
   and not actual violations.  If you’ve only seen him transgress once and he
   is generally careful in his mitzvah observance, you should approach him
   privately and gently rebuke him for his transgression.  However, you may
   not reveal his transgression to anyone.

#2

1. Would I be permitted to say about a friend that he doesn’t
   learn much Torah?  Unfortunately, in today’s society, this is not so
   uncommon and therefore people might not look down upon him for it.

1. It is forbidden.  Since according to your words he is
   doing something that’s wrong, it is considered loshon horah.

1. How about saying that someone is stingy with his money or
   doesn’t honor the Shabbos properly?  After all, I’m not saying that he’s
   committing a sin, but rather that he’s not performing the mitzvah to its
   fullest.

1. Even though you aren’t accusing him of committing a sin,
   you are speaking derogatorily about him.  It would therefore be considered
   loshon horah.

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:  Yesterday, we were discussing the great merit
of influencing others to guard their tongues.  Hear what the Zohar has to say
about it.  The posuk in Parshas Lech-Lecha states: “And Malki Tzedek the
king of Shalem brought out bread and wine etc.”  Malki Tzedek refers to the
Angel Michael.

Menaseh:  What’s that supposed to mean?

Oded:  The Zohar teaches in the name of Chia Rabba
that when the neshama of a tzadik who brought people to teshuva, leaves its
body; Michael, the great minister that delivers the neshamos of Tzadikim to its
creator, comes forth and greets the neshama of that tzadik.

Menaseh:  That’s an astounding honor!  How do you see
that from the posuk you quoted?

Oded:  Malki Tzedek refers to Michael who guards the
gates of righteousness (Tzedek). The King of Shalem refers to
Yerushalayim of above.  Brought out bread and wine; as we explained, he comes
out and greets the tzadik and says: “Come in peace”.

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Sources

Halachah

1) Sefer Chofetz Chaim Sec. 1 Chap. 4 Par.
2

2) Sefer Chofetz Chaim Sec. 1 Chap. 4 Par. 2

Agaddah

Sefer Shmiras Haloshon Section 1 Chasimas HaSefer Chap. 4