November 2016

Chofetz Chaim Daily 29 Cheshvan 7:5 Mutar to believe LH about someone who is known to constantly transgress serious sins. 7:6 If someone degrades himself and another, you may believe it about himself but not the other.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 28 Cheshvan 7:3 Asur to believe LH even if heard from two people. They are like reshaim (who we do not trust to spoil a good person’s name), because they are speaking LH. 7:4 Asur to believe a rumor that ploni did an aveira, may suspect until clarified. One may relate it in conversation, but not purposely spread it.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 27 Cheshvan 7:1 Asur to believe LH even if the story was said publicly. 7: 2 Asur to believe LH even if the subject was present & didn’t protest. Asur to believe LH, if speaker just SAYS he would say it in subject’s presence.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 24 Cheshvan 6:7 The sin of LH is commonly caused by not judging favorably. 6:8 It is much worse if the subject is a Talmid Chacham, whom one must try harder to judge favorably.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 25 Cheshvan 6:9 Anything that is asur for someone to SAY, is also LH to BELIEVE. 6:10 One is allowed to SUSPECT that a story is true, IF there is toeles e.g. to protect himself etc. However one must still treat this suspect as a regular Jew for all matters.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 26 Cheshvan 6:11 Heter to suspect is only to protect yourself. It is absolutely forbidden to mistreat, release oneself from obligations to, or hate that person. 6:12 Tshuva from believing LH includes removing the story and any ill will from your heart.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 23 Cheshvan 6:5 If one is in a group of people saying LH who will not accept rebuke & he can’t leave or put his fingers in his ears, then he MUST 1)Resolve not to believe 2)Be unhappy to listen 3)Not show consent. 6:6 It is a sin if he was aware they were going to speak LH before he joined.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 22 Cheshvan 6:3 If someone wants to tell you LH, ask him if there will be toeles for you to listen. Otherwise asur. 6:4 Mitzva to listen to LH IF: 1) Letting speaker finish his story will allow you to show listeners its false. 2) Listening to angry speaker will vent his anger and prevent from spreading further.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 21 Cheshvan 6:1 Asur to BELIEVE LH, as it says Lo sisa sheima shav. Believing is worse than speaking. 6:2 Asur to LISTEN to LH. Mutar if there is a valid toeles, for example you’ll be able to protect yourself/others.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 20 Cheshvan 5:7 Asur to degrade someone’s belongings i.e. to say ploni’s store sells bad quality items. 5:8 It is worse when two people say LH, because it is more damaging.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 17 Cheshvan 4:12 To repent for LH, one must ask subject mechila (only if he was hurt; socially, emotionally, etc.) It is impossible for a habitual LH speaker to ask mechila from everyone he pained. 5:1 If you see someone doing sins bein adam l’chaveiro, (ex. not lending money that he could afford) you must not tell anyone.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 18 Cheshvan 5:2 Asur to tell people that ploni is weak/not smart etc. because this will damage him socially & financially. 5:3 See sefer for more details. 5:4 Worse to say that ploni isn’t such a scholar; e.g. if he’s a Rabbi, it will damage his spiritual influence and livelihood. If he’s a newlywed, it will embarrass him and his new family.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 19 Cheshvan 5:5 Saying that someone is weak can damage him for shidduchim or getting a job. Asur to say that ploni isn’t as rich as thought to be, if it will make it hard for him to get a loan. 5:6 RULE: It depends who you are talking about. A positive for one person may be very negative for another.

Chofetz Chaim Daily 16 Cheshvan 4:11 One seeking info about a potential shidduch/partner may ask others, and they may say necessary info (See rechilus Chap. 9 for more detail). However you must explain why you are asking so it will be with proper intention. One MAY NOT ask those who do not like the subject.