Shows
Chofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#13b: Why is Lashon Hara called "False"? (Another explanation)An explanation of how Lashon Hara distorts the truth even though it appears to be true.2022-04-1404 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#13: Why is Lashon Hara called "False"?The fundamental laws of Lashon Hara apply even if the speech is true, so why is the prohibition sourced in the phrase "don't bear a false report"2022-04-1304 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#12: Can going to a Shiur be problematic?Depending on our intentions, even going to something as seemingly positive as a Torah class can be prohibited. 2022-04-1204 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#11: But it's impossible!?How is it possible to refrain and hold back from the sin of Lashon Hara considering the difficult situations we often find ourselves in?2022-04-1105 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#10c: How does gratitude to Hashem prevent Lashon Hara? (Another approach)The root cause of Lashon Hara is given and recognizing goodness by definition is its antithesis.2022-04-1005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#10b: How can we see others more positively?We delve further into the concept of appreciating the good in our lives. Using this appreciation as an antidote to negativity.2022-04-0804 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#10a: How does remembering Hashem's kindness relate to Lashon Hara?The Magen Avraham tells us that the story of Miriam speaking Lashon Hara about Moshe is alluded to in the blessing of "Ahava Rabba", how are we to understand this reference?2022-04-0708 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#9: What about Dale Carnegie?Didn't previous Gedolim advocate learning Dale Carnegie books as a tool, besides aren't we told that we should accept wisdom by anyone who says it?2022-04-0606 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#8: Self-Help books as a solution?Can someone who finds self-help books motivating and inspirational rely on them as a tool to help his performance in the laws of lashon hara?2022-04-0504 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#7b: Why learn the laws if you can't keep them? (Part 2)Another answer is given to why learning the laws are important even if you cannot fully keep them. Based on the concept of success breeds success.2022-04-0505 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#7a: Why learn the laws if you can't keep them? (Part 1)If one is confident that keeping the laws of lashon hara are too difficult for him, should he still spend the time learning them?2022-04-0305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#6: Why is Lashon Hara off the radar?Why are there so many religious people that scrupulously keep many of the mitzvos yet don't lend importance to the transgression of lashon hora?2022-04-0305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#5: What was the Peddlers novelty?What was so deep about the idea of the peddler, isn't that what the simple understanding of the verse?2022-04-0104 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#4: Just Do It?Are we able to rely on our willpower alone to guard our tongues from improper speech? 2022-04-0104 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#3: Is there a special reason to work on Shmiras HaLashon in 2022?Are learning the laws of speech any more significant in our day and age than when the Chofetz Chaim published his sefer (1873)?2022-03-3005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#2: Why must we study laws of Lashon Hara constantly?Isn't enough to just know the basic idea that talking bad about others is wrong? Why the constant need to learn all the specific laws about it?2022-03-2904 minChofetz Chaim Podcast: Q&AQ#1: Why is it worthwhile to be careful in Shmiras HaLashon?In this initial shiur, we analyze the significance of being attentive to our speech.2022-03-2906 min
Chofetz Chaim Podcast1.8 - In WritingThe prohibition of Lashon Hara applies even when its written down. Presumably the reader would also be transgressing "listening" to Lashon Hara by reading it. This is especially relevant in modern times with texting and reviews online. Even showing others a letter which will indicate something negative about the writer is also included in this prohibition. To mock an article by bringing attention to it would be another modern example of this Halacha.
Hilchos Lashon Hara 1:6
אִסוּר זֶה שֶׁל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע הוּא בֵּין אִם הוּא מְסַפֵּר עָלָיו בְּפִיו מַמָּשׁ, אוֹ שֶׁהוּא (יב) כּוֹתֵב עָלָיו דָּבָר זֶה בְּמִכְתָּבוֹ, וְגַם אֵין בּוֹ חִלּוּק בֵּין אִם הוּא מְּסַפֵּר עָלָיו הלָשׁוֹן הָרָע שֶׁלּוֹ בְּפֵרוּשׁ וּבֵין אִם הוּא מְסַפֵּר עָלָיו הלָשׁוֹן הָרָע (יג) בְּדֶרֶךְ רֶמֶּז, בְּכָל גַּוְנֵי {בכל האפנים} (יד) בִּכְלַל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע הוּא.
Be'er Mayim Chaim 1:14
פרוש אפילו אם אין מדבר או כותב עליו רק שמראה לאחרים מכתביו שכתב פלוני אליו, שניכר מכותלי מכתביו שאיננו חכם או למדן וכדומה מעניני גנות, גם זה בכלל איסור לשון הרע הוא ואף שאין זה צריך ראיה אף על פי כן אראה לך שגם מין לשון הרע זה נזכר בתורה לאיסור, שבפסוק וגם אתה ידעת את אשר עשה לי יואב בן צרויה וגו' פרשו רז״ל שהראה לסנהדרין את המכתב ששלח לו דוד שיעמיד את אוריה בעת חזקת המלחמה כדי שיתמעט עי״ז מדרגת דוד בעיניהם.
Sefer Nesivos Chaim
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-10-1305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.7 - Isn't all "Costs" a To'eles?There is an allowance to speak Lashon Hora l'To'eles to prevent a friend from financial harm, why wouldn't that allowance be effective for the individual as well? We redefine the allowance of "To'eles" not to be an allowance to violate the prohibition for the sake of the greater good, rather when one gives constructive information which is helpful that is not in the category of prohibited speech. However when a boss wants to hear negative information from his employee it's not for a beneficial purpose rather it's for the overarching need of preserving his own job.
2021-09-1404 min
Chofetz Chaim Podcast1.6 - Avoiding Lashon Hara at all "Costs" (2)Based on our previous episode, it would be assumed that there's no difference in regards to the prohibition of speaking vs. listening to Lashon Hara in a circumstance when your Parnassah is at risk. However, the Chavos Yair suggests that a prohibition which is violated through passivity does not require one to part with all of his money, in reference to the prohibition of neglecting burial of a corpse. It requires further analysis whether the prohibition of listening compares to neglecting of the corpse or rather the listener is required a certain level of proactivity to understand the speech.2021-08-3104 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.6 - Avoiding Lashon Hara at all "Costs" (1)If ones employer demands knowledge which involves Lashon Hara it is prohibited to speak it even if it will cost him his job. If a person is at risking of losing his Parnassah he is still not allowed to violate a Lav of the Torah, which includes Lashon Hara rather he must give up all of his possessions if needs be. In terms of a Rabbinic prohibition the Chofetz Chaim quotes the GRA who paskens it would also require giving up all of his possessions to avoid violating it. (Due to every Rabbinic prohibition being based on Lo Sasur...2021-08-3105 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.5 - When a Parent or a Rebbe AsksAlthough there is a Mitzva to fulfill the request of a Parent or a Rebbe, when their request includes a violation of a Rabbinic prohibition it is forbidden to listen to them. This would surely apply with regard to the prohibition of Lashon Hara.
Hilchos Lashon Hara 1:5
אֵין חִלּוּק בְּאִסוּר הַסִפּוּר, בֵּין אִם סִפֵּר מֵעַצְּמוֹ בִּרְצּוֹנוֹ וּבֵין אִם (ז) עָמַד עָלָיו חֲבֵרוֹ בִּדְבָרִים וְהִפְצִּירוֹ עַד שֶׁיְּסַפֵּר לוֹ, מִכָּל מָקוֹם אָסוּר. וַאֲפִלּוּ (ח) אָבִיו אוֹ רַבּוֹ, שֶׁמְּחֻיָּב בִּכְבוֹדָם וּבְמוֹרָאָם, שֶׁלֹּא לִסְתֹּר דִּבְרֵיהֶם, אִם הֵם (ט) בִּקְּשׁוּ מִמֶּנּוּ שֶׁיְּסַפֵּר לָהֶם עִנְיַן פְּלוֹנִי וּפְלוֹנִי, וְהוּא יוֹדֵעַ, שֶׁבְּתוֹךְ הַסִפּוּר יֻכְרַח לָבוֹא לִידֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע אוֹ אֲפִלּוּ רַק לְאָבָק שֶׁל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע, אָסוּר לוֹ לִשְׁמֹעַ לָהֶם.
Be'er Mayim Chaim 1:8
פשוט ממה שמבואר ביורה דעה בסימן ר״מ סעיף ט״ו דאם אמר לו אביו לעבור אפילו על מצוה של דבריהם לא ישמע לו, והוא הדין בודאי גבי רבו, ויותר מזה מצינו בברכות (י״ט:) ונפסק כן ביורה דעה סימן ש״ג ס״א דאפילו אם רואה את רבו שהוא לובש כלאים צריך לפשוט ממנו אפילו בשוק, מאי טעמא במקום שיש חילול השם אין חולקין כבוד לרב, וכן שאר דבר איסור אם ראה לרבו שעובר אפילו על איסור דרבנן צריך למחות בידו כמבואר ביורה דעה בסימן רמ״ב סכ״ב בהגה״ה, וא״כ כל שכן שאין צריך לשמוע לו לעשות איסור וכן מוכח בשבועות (דף ל״א) דאפילו גררא דשקר אסור לציית לרבו, דזה לשון הגמרא שם, מנין לתלמיד שאמר לו רבו יודע אתה בי שאם נותנין לי מאה מנה איני מבדה, מנה יש לי אצל פלוני ואין לי אלא עד אחד, מנין שלא יצטרף עמו, תלמוד לומר מדבר שקר תרחק, הא ודאי שקורי קמשקר, ורחמנא אמר לא תענה ברעך עד שקר, אלא כגון דאמר ליה ודאי חד סהדא אית לי, ותא את קום התם ולא תימא ולא מידי, דהא לא מפקית מפומך שיקרא, פרוש רק כדי שיתיירא ויודה על האמת, אפילו הכי אסור משום שנאמר מדבר שקר תרחק. וכל שכן באיסור לשון הרע החמור מזה שלא יציית לו.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-08-3004 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.3,4 - With Guilt vs. WithoutThe definition of a Ba'al Lashon Hora is given as someone who views Lashon Hora with complete disregard. If one learns the laws of proper speech, he may stumble but it will be on his radar and he wont derive as much pleasure from it.
The Alter of Slabodka spends time with an older irreligious man for the sole purpose of evoking feelings of wanting to join him in his aspirations.
Hilchos Lashon Hara 1:3, 1:4
כָּל זֶה, אֲפִלּוּ אִם רַק בְּמִקְרֶה סִפֵּר גְּנוּת חֲבֵרוֹ, אֲבָל אִם, חַס וְשָׁלוֹם, הֻרְגַּל בְּעָוֹן זֶה בִּתְמִידוּת, כְּמוֹ אֵלּוּ (ה) שֶׁרְגִילִין תָּמִיד לֵישֵׁב וּלְסַפֵּר: כָּךְ וְכָךְ מַעֲשֵׂה פְּלוֹנִי, כָּךְ וְכָךְ עָשׂוּ אֲבוֹתָיו, כָּךְ וְכָךְ שָׁמַעְתִּי עָלָיו, וְהוּא דְּבָרִים שֶׁל גְּנוּת, אֲנָשִׁים כָּאֵלּוּ הֵם נִקְרָאִין בְּפִי חֲזַ"ל בְּשֵׁם בַּעֲלֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע וְעָנְשָׁן הַרְבֵּה יוֹתֵר גָּדוֹל, אַחֲרֵי שֶׁבִּשְׁאָט נַפְשָׁם וּזְדוֹן לִבָּם עוֹבְרִין עַל תּוֹרַת ה', וְנַעֲשָׂה זֶה אֶצְּלָם כְּהֶפְקֵר, כְּמוֹ שֶׁמְּבֹאָר לְעֵיל בְּסוֹף הַפְּתִיחָה, וַעֲלֵיהֶם נֶאֱמַר בַּקַּבָּלָה: "יַכְרֵת ה' כָּל שִׂפְתֵי חֲלָקּוֹת לָשׁוֹן מְדַבֶּרֶת גְּדֹלוֹת" (תהלים יב, ד).
אָמְרוּ חֲזַ"ל: עַל שָׁלש עֲבֵרוֹת נִפְרָעִין מִן הָאָדָם בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה, וְאֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, וְאֵלּוּ הֵן: עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה וְגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת וּשְׁפִיכוּת דָּמִים, וְלָשׁוֹן הָרָע נֶגֶד כֻּלָּן. וְהֵבִיאוּ חֲזַ"ל עַל זֶה רְאָיָה מִן הַכְּתוּבִים, וּפֵרְשׁוּ הָרִאשׁוֹנִים, דְּהַכַּוָּנָה עַל אֵלּוּ שֶׁהֻרְגְּלוּ בּעוֹן זֶה בִּתְמִידוּת, וְאֵין מְּקבְּלִים עַל עַצְּמָם לְהִשָּׁמֵר מִּמֶּנּוּ, מִפְּנֵי שֶׁנַּעֲשָׂה הדָּבָר אֶצְּלָם כְּהֶתֵּר.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
עוד ימצא תועלת גדולה מלמוד ענינים אלו, שעל ידי זה לא יהיה דבר זה בעיניו כהפקר, ואז אפלו אם יהיה, חס ושלום, נכשל בזה לפרקים, איננו בכלל בעלי לשון הרע, שעל זה אמרו חז"ל בערכין, ששקול כנגד ג' עונות החמורות, ואינם מקבלין פני שכינה, וכיוצא מענשין החמורין, כמו שמוכח מדברי רבנו יונה ב"שערי תשובה" ומדברי ה"כסף משנה" ברמב"ם בפרק ז' מהלכות דעות רק כשאר לאו דעלמא. גם על ידי זה ידע בנפשו שחטא לפני ה', וכמו שאמר הכתוב (ירמיה ב, לה): "הנני נשפט אותך על אמרך לא חטאתי", ויראה לפיס את חברו עבור זה, או לפחות שלא לדבר עליו עוד הפעם, מה שאין כן אם ישליך, חס ושלום, את הדבר אחר גוו, ואינו חושבו לעון כלל. (הגהה)
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-08-3004 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.2 - Lashon Hara included in RechilusThe prohibition of Lashon Hara is derived from Rechilus based on an a fortiori (Kal v'Chomer) ("Since he's degrading him with this speech"), as explained by the Rambam.
Question - The prohibitions of Lashon Hara and Rechilus are two separate distinct Prohibitions, how can Lashon Hara be included just because its "worse"?
Hilchos Lashon Hara 1:2
הַלָּאו זֶה שֶׁכָּתַבְנוּ הוּא מַה שֶּׁכְּתַבְתּוֹ הַתּוֹרָה בְּפֵרוּשׁ מְיֻחָד לְאִסוּר זֶה שֶׁל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע וּרְכִילוּת, אֲבָל בְּלָאו הָכִי {בלא זה} יֵשׁ עוֹד הַרְבֵּה לָאוִין וַעֲשִׂין אֲחֵרִים, שֶׁהוּא עוֹבֵר עֲלֵיהֶן עַל יְדֵי סִפּוּר הָרַע הַזֶּה, כַּמְבֹאָר לְעֵיל בַּפְּתִיחָה הַקּוֹדֶמֶת, עַיֵּן שָׁם
Be'er Mayim Chaim 1:3
כן כתב הרמב״ם בפרק ז' מהלכות דעות, והסמ״ג, שזה לשונו יש עון גדול מזה עד מאוד והוא בכלל לאו זה והוא המספר בגנות חבירו אף על פי שאומר אמת וכו'.
ועיין בחלק ב' כלל א' בבאר מים חיים סעיף קטן ח', רק דכוונת הגמרא בכתובות הוא במכל שכן דמוציא שם רע מכלל לאו זה לא נפקא.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-08-3005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast1.1 - Intro to HalachosThe Chofetz Chaim suggests giving a class dealing with the laws of Lashon Hara from a Halachic source for one who is looking to rectify their own sin of lashon hara. People often think of the sin of lashon hara as a lack in proper ethics but in truth we need to recognize that it is an actual prohibition from the Torah. The first Halacha is that the prohibition entitled "Lashon Hara" is specifically when the negative speech is true. When it is a distortion it falls under the different prohibition of "Motzei Shem Ra".
2021-08-3005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast65 - Importance of the IntroductionAfter concluding with all the prohibitions, mitzvos, and curses involved, the Chofetz Chaim tells us that we should reread this introduction because this will help protect us in our fight with lashon hara more than anything else. This is because (1) These words come from the great Rishonim whose words are like fire, (2) who practice what they preach, (3) and mystically the purity of their words will have an impact on whomever reads them. Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski writes that the Chofetz Chaim's own words are impactfully and inspiring to each person on their level.
Chofetz...2021-08-3004 minChofetz Chaim Podcast64 - The Key to being Cursed or BlessedAfter finishing the mitzvos and before the laws, the Chofetz Chaim tells of a number of curses that apply to a speaker of Lashon Hara. There are three common ones, the first is (Devarim 27:24): "Cursed be he who smites his neighbor in secret." Rashi explains that "smiting one's neighbor in private is a reference to Lashon Hara. The second curse is (Devarim 27:18): "Cursed is he who misleads the blind man on the way," this applies because the speaker is causing the listener to transgress by telling him forbidden speech. The third is (Devarim 27:18): "Cursed is he who misleads the...2021-08-2005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast63 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (3)The Alter of Slabodka asks how can we expect a weak human being to be similar or emulate to Hashem? The Mishna in Avos teaches us that a person is precious because he was created in the image of Hashem. All the philosophers have never accurately assessed the uniqueness of man since the only way to measure its value is based on an understanding of Hashem's perfection and that a person is imbued with those "virtues". All of the lofty traits that a person is expected to develop is not just the potential to become "that person" rather this...2021-08-2005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast62 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (2)The Chofetz Chaim explained the specific trait that Hashem acts with is focusing on the positive as opposed to negative and when one speaks lashon hara essentially he's disproportionally viewing this person through the negative lens of this "story". If we define judging our fellow meritoriously as giving one the benefit of the doubt and assume that he's doing the correct action then its hard to compare it to Hashem's traits because he knows the reality. However if we define it as focusing on the good and not allowing the bad to distort the view of the person by...2021-08-0303 minChofetz Chaim Podcast61 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (1)The final mitzvah brought by the Chofetz Chaim is "And you shall walk in His ways," which commands us to emulate the traits of Hashem. There was a battle by Yericho where the Jews were commanded not to take the spoils of the war yet someone did, when Yehoshua asked Hashem who it was, He responded "Am I your informer? Rather, cast lots to determine who is guilty." We see that despite the necessity of the information and the benefit for the Jewish people, Hashem would not say if there is alternative way of finding out. Similarly, Hashem is...2021-08-0305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast60 - Virtue of Truth (3)The Yetzer Hora constantly makes requests of a person and craves that he will agree to whatever he asks. However, the Yetzer Hora does not have the ability to fulfill this desire without the agreement of the intellect of the person, there needs to be a rationalization and consent before doing anything wrong. When the lazy person is told that his Rebbe is in his city to teach him, he responds there's a lion in the street and its too dangerous. This twisted thinking is a rationalization caused by his laziness. If the desire is there a person has...2021-08-0205 minChofetz Chaim Podcast59 - Virtue of Truth (2)In the category of falsehood is misleading people, which applies to even non-Jews. The Rabbis view this as a more severe transgression than theft! The reason is that truth is a fundamental aspect of our soul which was is part of the Godly essence that was given to us. The verse in proverbs "Truthful speech abides forever, A lying tongue for but a moment" explained by Rabbenu Yona tells us that one who is always careful with his words to speak honestly will always be abided and desired because we have a natural connection and love for truth.2021-08-0203 minChofetz Chaim Podcast58 - Perils of LyingAll of the prohibitions mentioned until now were assuming the speech was truthful, however, if it contains an element of falsehood then there's a transgression of (Shemoth 23:7): "From a thing of falsehood keep far" and this speech is referred to as "Motzei Shem Ra". We explained earlier that all lashon hara is called false because when speaking not in the subjects presence there will always be some distortion. There is nothing more despicable than lying since its opposite, truth, is the signet and hallmark of Hashem. Blessing can only take effect on those who are truthful like Hashem. This...2021-07-2806 minChofetz Chaim Podcast57 - A Woman's role in Torah (4)As a conclusion to our discussion, the Shulchan Aruch rules that a woman makes a blessing on Torah despite the fact that they are not obligated to learn. The Maharsha says Hashem tells Moshe to command the Jewish people that the women should strain themselves and be intimately involved in their families success in learning. The Chasan Sofer based on this Maharsha explains that the reason women make the blessing on Torah because they are commanded to be "involved" in Torah.
Shulchan Aruch 47:14
נשים מברכות ברכת התורה:
Sotah 21, Maharsha Ibid.
Chasan Sofer
2021-07-2805 minChofetz Chaim Podcast56 - A Woman's role in Torah (3)The Gemorah asks "What merit do women have?" and responds "They send their children to learn in yeshiva and allow their husbands to learn far away and wait for them". This is a bizarre question. "What merit do women have"?! What about every other commandment in the Torah that they are obligated in? The Chofetz Chaim explains that the ability to live eternally after the resurrection of the dead is only possible with a connection to Torah and that's what the Gemorah was asking, considering she doesn't have a commandment in Torah and it doesn't have the merit...2021-07-1605 minChofetz Chaim Podcast55 - A Woman's role in Torah (2)The Gemorah is trying to find a merit for a woman to delay the punishment when she committed adultery. First it suggests the merit of her learning Torah but rejects it due to her not being commanded in that mitzvah and then concludes she has the merit of bringing her children to yeshiva and allows her husband to go out of town to learn. Despite the fact that the woman is still not commanded in this Torah learning that she encourages, she "splits" the reward as if she is the man who does have the command and is learning...2021-07-1605 minChofetz Chaim Podcast54 - A Woman's role in Torah (1)The Maharal writes in Shemos that the women question how they can get reward for Torah which they don't study and Hashem tells Moshe to respond that their role in Torah is even more significant than the men. Rabbenu Yona explains since they send their children to learn in yeshiva, shower them with care when returning, keep a watchful eye to ensure their Torah involvement, and kindle a passion and love of Torah in them. We can see from all this, that these righteous women are causing the perpetuation of Torah in the family. Our Rabbis teach us...2021-07-1604 minChofetz Chaim Podcast53 - Learning Torah! (2)The Gemorah concludes a person was created to toil in the study of Torah with his mouth. The Chofetz Chaim explains most limbs require exertion to move them as opposed to the mouth in which speech flows effortlessly. Hashem gave us this ability by speech in order for us to be constantly engaged in non-stop learning. Since it's built in our nature that our faculty of speech is free flowing we must channel it toward Torah and be careful not to let it be used for improper speech.
Shemiras Halashon - Sha'ar HaTorah 1
2021-07-1604 minChofetz Chaim Podcast52 - Learning Torah! (1)The most significant mitzvah which outweighs all other mitzvos of the Torah put together is that of studying Torah. This mitzvah has no specific amount, the obligation incumbent upon every male is the entire day whenever he has the availability. The Rosh Yeshivas tell us the parameters of the majority of mitzvos are generally objective but by Torah study it's individualized based on his personal circumstances and the default is he must learn whenever he has time. Similarly a reason we don't make an after blessing on Torah study is because we are always engaged in learning even if...2021-07-1606 minChofetz Chaim Podcast51 - Fear of G-d (2)This fear of consequences we mentioned is based on the Rambam and the Sefer HaChinuch. However the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuva that says it's inappropriate to serve Hashem based on fear and it's for ignorant people to hold on to until they can be educated to serve Hashem from love. The Rambam appears to be contradictory, on the one hand he says it's a mitzvah to have a fear of Hashem yet he also tells us its not proper for us. Perhaps similar to a child-parent relationship, the primary motivator should not be based on a fear of consequences...2021-07-1206 minChofetz Chaim Podcast50 - Fear of G-d (1)On top of all the other transgressions, the speaker of lashon hara violates the mitzvah of (Devarim 6:13): "The L–rd your G–d shall you fear,". When the opportunity to sin arises we are obligated to counter it with the thought that "Hashem is aware of all that happens and there are consequences for his actions". Utilizing this focus will help a person refrain from sinning, one who ignores this contemplation by speaking improperly negates this mitzvah. The Beis HeLevi on the topic of "Do not Covet" explains the achievability with a parable of one with a consuming desire who...2021-07-1206 minChofetz Chaim Podcast49 - Honoring ParentsBesides for honoring parents there is an additional mitzvah to honor a brother, mother's husband, and fathers wife from the verse [(Shemoth 20:12): "Honor your father and [ve'eth] your mother," as explained in Kethuvoth 103a)]. Unfortunately people assume there may be an allowance to speak ill about family but in actuality it's more severe. The basic mitzvah of honoring parents are made of two categories: honor and revere. To revere parents practically means not to stand/sit in their place, contradict their words, and not to declare his parents correct as if his position on the matter has standing. To...2021-07-1205 minChofetz Chaim Podcast48 - Honoring the Kohen (2)Rav Shimon Schwab met with the Chofetz Chaim who told him that it's a pity he's not a Kohen because he won't be able to work in the Beis HaMikdash when it comes. The reason why only kohanim can serve in the temple is due to the difficult choice their ancestors made during the episode of the golden calf. The great stature that Kohanim have is the ability to atone for the Jewish people and to create peace between them and their Creator.
Selected Writings: by Rav Shimon Schwab
Tanna D'vei...2021-07-1203 minChofetz Chaim Podcast47 - Honoring the KohenThere is a mitzvah to give the kohen much honor and if one shames him in his presence by speaking lashon hara he will be transgressing (Vayikra 21:8): "And you shall sanctify him". In regard to his honor not only is a kohen called up to the Torah reading first and the initial offer to lead the after-blessing, he also receives his portion of food and charity distribution first. Although it seems people are lenient nowadays the Mishnah Berurah suggests being careful with it. Additionally kohanim cannot serve a non-kohen and it is questionable if he can void this right...2021-07-0804 minChofetz Chaim Podcast46 - Honoring Torah Scholars (2)Rabbenu Yona explains one of the significant reasons of honoring Torah scholars is that its puts them on a pedestal which creates an atmosphere in which the people revere and respect their words. Rav Mattisyahu Solomon says it's possible for a Jewish child raised in a Jewish home to be in the category of a "An infant captured [and consequently raised] among gentiles". If the parents don't give over a clear respect for the Rabbis then it limits the children's ability to withstand the trials of life since they need to view the Halacha given over by the decisors...2021-07-0604 minChofetz Chaim Podcast45 - Honoring ScholarsThe previous mentioned mitzvah contains two mitzvos: (1) Honoring an elderly person even if he's an ignoramus and (2) to relate to one who acquired wisdom in a superior way. Rav Elyashiv defines a wise person as anyone known as a Torah scholar and certainly one with a Rabbinic position. A fundamental way of sanctifying the way of Hashem is by demonstrating with all his words and actions that the only reality and preciousness of a person is that he is on a mission to perform the will of Hashem. When one degrades Torah scholars he is negating that reality and...2021-07-0505 minChofetz Chaim Podcast44 - Honoring EldersThere is a verse in Kedoshim that states (Vayikra 19:32): "And you shall honor the face of the elder." The Shulchan Aruch defines an "elder" as someone who is 70 years old. If the subject of Lashon Hara is an elder then he is transgressing this prohibition because when the Torah tells us to "honor" it means we should speak to him as a master with honor. Rav Yochanan used to stand up for the non Jewish elderly people since they've had life experiences which inevitably would include many situations of Hashem's direct providence.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Asei)
2021-07-0504 minChofetz Chaim Podcast43 - Revering Hashem's PlacesIf one were to speak Lashon Hara in a Synagogue or Beis Medrash then there would be an additional prohibition of "And My sanctuary shall you fear." We are required to have a special reverence for Hashem's holy places and this would include not acting with lightheadedness etc and obviously improper speech. Parenthetically if one would move out dirty tissues or items which aren't fit to be there it would be a fulfillment of this mitzvah.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Asei)
וְכָל זֶה אֲפִלּוּ (ז) שֶׁלֹּא בְּבֵית הַמִדְרָשׁ, אֲבָל אִם מְדַבֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע וּרְכִילוּת בְּבֵית הַמִדְרָשׁ אוֹ בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת, עוֹבֵר עוֹד עַל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה (ויקרא י"ט ל'): ''וּמִקְדָּשִׁי תִּירָאוּ'' וּבֵית הַמִדְרָשׁ שֶׁלָּנוּ גַּם כֵּן בִּכְלַל מִקְדָּשׁ הוּא, כְּמוֹ שֶׁמְבֹאָר בַּפּוֹסְקִים, וְנִצְטַוֵּינוּ בְּזֶה הַפָּסוּק לִירֹא, מְמִי שֶׁשּׁוֹכֵן בּוֹ, וְלָכֵן אֵין מְחַשְּׁבִין בּוֹ חֶשְׁבּוֹנוֹת, כִּי אִם שֶׁל מִצְוָה, כְּגוֹן קֻפָּה שֶׁל צְדָקָה וְכַדּוֹמֶה, וְכָל שֶׁכֵּן דְּאָסוּר בָּהֶם שְׂחוֹק וְהִתּוּל וְשִׂיחָה בְּטֵלָה, וְלֹא מוֹעִיל בָּזֶה שׁוּם תְּנַאי, כַּמְבֹאָר בְּשֻׁלְחָן עָרוּךְ אֹרַח חַיִּים (בסימן קנ"א סעיף י"א). וְעַל אַחַת כַּמָה וְכַמָה דְּאָסוּר לְדַבֵּר בָּהֶם לְשׁוֹן הָרָע אוֹ רְכִילוּת מִפְּנֵי אֵימַת ה' יִתְבָּרַךְ הַשּׁוֹכֵן בּוֹ, לְבַד מֵאִסוּרוֹ הֶחָמוּר הָעַצְמִי, וּבָזֶה שֶׁמְדַבֵּר, מַרְאֶה בְּעַצְמוֹ שֶׁאֵינוֹ מַאֲמִין שֶׁהַקָדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יַשְׁרֶה שְׁכִינָתוֹ בַּבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וּלְכָךְ הוּא מֵעִיז פָּנָיו אֲפִלּוּ לְדַבֶּר בְּבֵית הַמֶלֶךְ שֶׁלֹּא כִּרְצוֹן הַמֶלֶךְ
Brachos 6a
מַאי ״וּלְחֹשְׁבֵי שְׁמוֹ״? אָמַר רַב אָשֵׁי: חָשַׁב אָדָם לַעֲשׂוֹת מִצְוָה, וְנֶאֱנַס, וְלֹא עֲשָׂאָהּ — מַעֲלֶה עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב כְּאִילּוּ עֲשָׂאָהּ.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com
2021-07-0204 minChofetz Chaim Podcast42 - Flee to the Desert! (or Yeshiva)Since people are naturally drawn in their attitudes and actions after their friends and neighbors we must be careful to connect with righteous people and always reside amongst Torah scholars to learn from them. If such an area doesn't exist he should live alone and if he can't then he should flee to a desert. Similarly the mitzva of blowing shofer makes it easier for the master to free their slaves when they hear the public all freeing them, this is because "nothing strengthens the heart of people more than the action of the many". The Chazon Ish relates...2021-07-0205 minChofetz Chaim Podcast41 - Connect to ScholarsChazal explain the mitzvah of (Devarim 10:20): "And to Him shall you cleave," as a reference to be associated with Torah scholars with every type of connection. We can learn more from viewing their daily living than by their actual teachings. If one is part of a group that speak Lashon Hara than certainly he will be transgressing this mitzvah.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Asei)
וְכָל זֶה שֶׁכָּתַבְנוּ הוּא אֲפִלּוּ אִם מְסַפֵּר דִּבְרֵי גְּנוּת עַל חֲבֵרוֹ בֵּינוֹ לְבֵין עַצְמוֹ, אֲבָל אִם מְדַבֵּק אֶת עַצְמוֹ לַחֲבוּרָה שֶׁל אַנְשֵׁי רֶשַׁע וּבַעֲלֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע כְּדֵי לְסַפֵּר לָהֶם דִּבְרֵי גְּנוּת עַל חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ כְּדֵי לִשְׁמֹעַ מֵהֶם, (ו) עוֹבֵר גַּם עַל הַמִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁל (דברים י' ב'): ''וּבוֹ תִדְבָּק'', וּבָא הַפֵּרוּשׁ עַל זֶה בְּדִבְרֵי חֲזַ''ל (כְּתֻבּוֹת קי"א), לְהִתְדַּבֵּק בְּחַכְמֵי הַתּוֹרָה וּלְהַתְמִיד בִּישִׁיבָתָם בְּכָל אֹפֶן מֵהָאֳפָנִים, אֲפִלּוּ לֶאֱכֹל וְלִשְׁתּוֹת עִם תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים וְלַעֲשׂוֹת פְּרַקְמַטְיָא לְתַלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים וּלְהִתְדַּבֵּק עִמָהֶן בְּכָל מִינֵי חִבּוּר, וְהַכָּל כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּלְמֹד מִמַעֲשֵׂיהֶן. וְלָכֵן בְּוַדַּאי, מִי שֶׁעוֹשֶׂה הֶפֶךְ זֶה, שֶׁמְדַבֵּק עַצְמוֹ עִם חֲבוּרָה שֶׁל רְשָׁעִים, עוֹבֵר עַל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה זוֹ
Igros Moshe - Chelek 4, OC 33
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-07-0104 minChofetz Chaim Podcast40 - Approaching Admonishment (2)Shockingly, Yaakov refrained from rebuking Reuven until the end of his life since he was afraid it would compel him to leave and join up with Esav! We can see from this the severity of rebuke. An idea to minimize the risk in admonishing is by focusing on the greatness of the person and trying to convey how this action is beneath their stature.
Devarim 1:3, Rashi Ibid
וַיְהִי֙ בְּאַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה ה' אֹת֖וֹ אֲלֵהֶֽם
מְלַמֵּד שֶׁלֹּא הוֹכִיחָן אֶלָּא סָמוּךְ לַמִּיתָה; מִמִּי לָמַד? מִיַּעֲקֹב, שֶׁלֹּא הוֹכִיחַ אֶת בָּנָיו אֶלָּא סָמוּךְ לַמִּיתָה, אָמַר, רְאוּבֵן בְּנִי אֲנִי אוֹמֵר לְךָ מִפְּנֵי מָה לֹא הוֹכַחְתִּיךָ כָּל הַשָּׁנִים הַלָּלוּ, כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא תַנִּיחֵנִי וְתֵלֵךְ וְתִדְבַּק בְּעֵשָׂו אָחִי; וּמִפְּנֵי אַרְבָּעָה דְּבָרִים אֵין מוֹכִיחִין אֶת הָאָדָם אֶלָּא סָמוּךְ לַמִּיתָה, כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יְהֵא מוֹכִיחוֹ וְחוֹזֵר וּמוֹכִיחוֹ, וְשֶׁלֹּא יְהֵא חֲבֵרוֹ רוֹאֵהוּ וּמִתְבַּיֵּשׁ מִמֶּנּוּ, כּוּ' כִּדְאִיתָא בְּסִפְרֵי
Mishlei 9:8
אַל־תּ֣וֹכַח לֵ֭ץ פֶּן־יִשְׂנָאֶ֑ךָּ הוֹכַ֥ח לְ֝חָכָ֗ם וְיֶאֱהָבֶֽךָּ
Shelah, Matos-Maasei - Derech Chaim 13
אל תוכח לץ וגו' הוכח לחכם ויאהבך. הענין, כשאתה רוצה להוכיח את אחד, אל תאמר לו כך וכך אתה גרוע, כי אז ישנאך ולא ישמע לדבריך, וזהו שנאמר אל תוכח לץ, שלא תוכח אותו בדרך זילזול לומר לץ אתה. רק אדרבה תאמר לו חכם אתה, ואם כן חרפה היא לאיש כמוך לעשות כה וכה. זהו הוכח לחכם, כלומר תעשנו לך לחכם, אז יאהבך וישמע לקול דבריך ויקבל מוסר
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-06-2904 minChofetz Chaim Podcast39 - Approaching Admonishment (1)To give rebuke to another Jew is something fraught with significant danger since it can easily be taken as an affront to his self esteem. Two common undesirable outcomes from rebuking someone is either defensiveness or distress. The Rambam tells us the proper way of admonishing is with a calm and soft voice while communicating in a clear way that its purely for the benefit of the subject. This approach is not a "preferable" one rather it is the only one. Rav Chaim Volozhin writes if one is unable to convey care with his rebuke in a clear and...2021-06-2904 minChofetz Chaim Podcast38 - Instant RebukeIf one sees that his friend is about to tell him something negative and he declines to stop him will be in violation of (Vayikra 19:16): "Reprove shall you reprove your neighbor." To allow him to continue speaking while having in mind to correct him afterwards is comparable to letting one eat pork and deciding to wait for him to finish since each "word" is an additional prohibition. However in a circumstance where the lashon hara was spoken in front of a group and it can be clearly rebuffed it would constitute an exception because it's a better option than...2021-06-2504 minChofetz Chaim Podcast37 - Offering ReviewsThe third mitzvah enumerated by the Chofetz Chaim is (Vayikra 25:35): "And if your brother grows poor and his hand falls with you, then you shall uphold him [even if he be], proselyte or sojourner; and he shall live with you." And (Ibid 16): "And your brother shall live with you,". If the Lashon Hara were to affect the livelihood of the subject negatively then this would clearly be in violation of this mitzvah. Unfortunately this is extremely common when sharing information relating to restaurants or services. Although people may often feel there is a benefit to this information, it can...2021-06-2305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast36 - How to Judge Others (2)The Sefer HaChinuch tells us the reason the cities of refuge for an inadvertent murderer was located in the tribe of Levi is because of their exemplary character traits which allowed them not to be hostile toward the murderer. They were able to view the truth that although he caused harm it was done inadvertently. This ability to see the reality without getting overloaded by our emotions is incredibly important. A strategy based on Rabbenu Yona is to habituate us to start recognizing the other persons perspective in less significant situations which will then allow us to cope when...2021-06-2305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast35 - How to Judge Others (1)An often misunderstood mitzvah is that of (Vayikra 19:15): "In righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." In a scenario where we see someone performing a questionable action we have an obligation to judge him positively and certainly not speak Lashon Hara about it. People tend to assume this mitzvah is for us to create illusionary circumstances that are unlikely in order to vindicate what we are seeing. However we can still maintain a realistic perspective and view the action in context of that persons life experiences and realize if we were in his position we would likely have similar struggles.2021-06-2305 minChofetz Chaim Podcast34 - Do we REALLY Love Family?The Mitzva of loving your fellow Jew as yourself is typically thought of as applying to other people but the Chovos HaLevovos tells us the basis of our dealings with family is based on this Mitzva. The Chidushei HaLev is bothered since a natural love already exists why would we need a commandment for it? He answers that the Torah requires a true love in which the person focuses on their positives attributes which is beyond the natural instinctive love for family. A person will be able to attain the desired deep relationship with his family when he approaches...2021-06-1404 minChofetz Chaim Podcast33 - Your Honor is My HonorThe second positive commandment being violated is (Vayikra 19:18): "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The Torah tells us we must be concerned with our friends dignity just as much as our own. In the same way we would not want anyone publicizing any of our flaws we need to have the same commitment to not want that to happen to our friend.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Asei)
וְעוֹבֵר (ב) עַל יְדֵי הַסִפּוּר הַזֶּה גַּם עַל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה (ויקרא י"ט י"ח): ''וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ'', שֶׁנִּצְטַוֵּינוּ בָּזֶה לָחוּס עַל מָמוֹן חֲבֵרוֹ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוּא חָס עַל שֶׁל עַצְמוֹ, וְלָחוּס עַל כְּבוֹד חֲבֵרוֹ וּלְסַפֵּר בְּשִׁבְחוֹ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוּא חוֹשֵׁשׁ עַל כְּבוֹד עַצְמוֹ, וְהַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע וּרְכִילוּת עַל חֲבֵרוֹ, אוֹ הַמְקַבֵּל, אַף אִם הַדָּבָר אֱמֶת, נִרְאֶה בַּעֲלִיל שֶׁאֵינוֹ אוֹהֲבוֹ כְּלָל, וְכָל שֶׁכֵּן דְּכָמוֹךָ בְּוַדַּאי אֵינוֹ מְקַיֵּם.
וְהָרְאָיָה הַגְּדוֹלָה עַל זֶה, דַּהֲלֹא כָּל אָדָם יוֹדֵעַ אֶת נִגְעֵי עַצְמוֹ, וְאַף עַל פִּי כֵן אֵינוֹ רוֹצֶה בְּשׁוּם אֹפֶן, שֶׁחֲבֵרוֹ יֵדַע מִזֶּה אַף אֶחָד מֵאָלֶף. וְאַף אִם אֵרַע, שֶׁנּוֹדַע מְעַט מֵחֶסְרוֹנוֹתָיו אֵצֶל חֲבֵרוֹ, וַחֲבֵרוֹ הוֹלֵךְ וּמְסַפֵּר זֶה לַאֲנָשִׁים, אַף עַל פִּי כֵן הוּא עוֹמֵד וּמְצַפֶּה, הַלְוַאי שֶׁיִּתֵּן ה' שֶׁלֹּא יְקַבְּלוּ אֶת דְּבָרָיו וְלֹא יַאֲמִינוּ לוֹ, וְהַכּל כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִתְחַזֵּק בְּעֵינֵיהֶם לְאָדָם שֶׁאֵינוֹ הָגוּן, אַף דְּהוּא יוֹדֵעַ בְּעַצְמוֹ הַרְבֵּה וְהַרְבֵּה מֵהָעֲוֹנוֹת, יוֹתֵר מִמַה שֶׁסִפֵּר חֲבֵרוֹ עָלָיו, אַף עַל פִּי כֵן מֵרוֹב הָאַהֲבָה שֶׁהוּא אוֹהֵב אֶת עַצְמוֹ, נִדְחֶה הַכֹּל מֵחֲמַת זֶה. כֵּן בְּאֹפֶן זֶה מַמָשׁ צָרִיךְ עַל פִּי הַתּוֹרָה לַעֲשׂוֹת לְרֵעֵהוּ, לָחוּס עַל כְּבוֹדוֹ בְּכָל הָאֳפָנִים.
וְלֹא לְחִנָּם כָּתְבָה לָנוּ הַתּוֹרָה מַעֲשֶׂה דְּנֹחַ (בראשית ט' כ"א-כ"ב): ''וַיֵּשְׁתְּ וַיִּשְׁכָּר וַיִּתְגַּל וְגוֹ' וַיַּרְא חָם וְגוֹ' וְשֵׁם וְיֶפֶת כִּסוּ אֶת עֶרְוַת אֲבִיהֶם'', וְגַם סִפְּרָה לָנוּ התּוֹרָה אֶת הַבְּרָכָה שֶׁבֵּרְכָם נֹחַ וְנִתְקַיְּמָה לְבָּסוֹף, לְהַרְאוֹת לָנוּ אֶת גְּדֻלַּת הַמִדָּה הַזֹּאת, שֶׁצָרִיךְ הָאָדָם לְחַפּוֹת עַל גְּנוּת חֲבֵרוֹ בְּכָל כֹּחוֹ כְּמוֹ עַל שֶׁל עַצְמוֹ.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-06-1005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast32 - The Power of a StoryThe Chofetz Chaim relates that the foundation of healing for all the issues relating to Lashon Hara is to focus on the story of Miriam. He shares a number of reasons why it doesn't appear to be effective, including one losing hope in himself to truly be able to overcome his struggles in Lashon Hara.
Zechor L'Miriam - 1st Perek
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-06-1005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast31 - Practically Remembering MiriamThe Chofetz Chaim tells us that way to fulfill the positive mitzva of remembering Miriam in a practical sense is by mentioning it with the mouth. Although some do mention it with the six remembrances it does not seem to be the minhag. The Magen Avrohom interestingly notes that in the blessing of "Ahava Rabbah" we say that Hashem brought us close to his name to praise him, this praising implies our mouths are created for praise and NOT Lashon Hara, which brings to mind the story of Miriam. Rav Moshe adds that you must actually have the story...2021-06-0905 minChofetz Chaim Podcast30 - Remembering MiriamThe first positive commandment that we have regarding Lashon Hara is "Remember what the L–rd your G–d did to Miriam on the way when you went out of Egypt." The fact that Miriam was still punished even in these favorable circumstances teaches us how much more so we have to be careful in our own situations. Miriam spoke about her beloved brother for whom she endangered herself as well as helped raise, and the actual words she said were comparing Moshe to other prophets, by which he was not offended. Yet Miriam was still puni...2021-06-0405 minChofetz Chaim Podcast29 - Conclusion of the ProhibitionsAfter listing 17 prohibitions involved with the transgression of Lashon Hara, the Chofetz Chaim tells us perhaps now that we appreciate all the aspects of destruction it can motivate us to strategize how to remove ourselves from improper speech. Rav Chaim Volozhin was able to find an allowance for an Agunah to get married because he felt a responsibility which propelled him to go beyond his abilities and reach. Hopefully we can also use our knowledge of the severity of Lashon Hara to inspire us past our capabilities and be successful in staying far from it.
2021-05-3106 minChofetz Chaim Podcast28 - Taming Anger (2)Rav Chaim Volozhin tells us through the trait of tolerance and patience a person can achieve significantly more in the area of child rearing. Similarly the Chazon Ish relays that one learns way more from the practice of the teacher than from his speech. If the teacher is giving over a message with anger and negatively then those bad traits will be given over rather than the rebuke or instruction that he is attempting. The opposite is true as well and in a situation where it would be reasonable for the educator to be upset yet he demonstrates patience...2021-05-3106 minChofetz Chaim Podcast27 - Taming AngerCommonly when people speak Lashon Hara it is out of anger and it leads to cursing the subject and possibly with Hashems name. This is a transgression of "Do not curse a deaf man", which includes all Jews. The reason it's forbidden is not only due to the damage done to the subject but even to the curser. The son of the Shelah refers to the trait of anger as the "the father of impurities" and there is nothing worse for the body. The barometer for one to recognize where he's standing in terms of anger is in context...2021-05-3008 minChofetz Chaim Podcast26 - The Folly of Flattery (3)We previously mentioned it would have been thought one would give up his life rather than flatter a wicked person because it appears as if he's falsifying by approving of this person. However there are two types of flattery: condoning the actual forbidden act and giving honor to the person. In the former scenario one would in fact be required to give up his life, in the latter he just implies his actions are allowed that which indirectly condones the prohibition would not require one to give up his life. This responsum was in the context of honoring a...2021-05-2705 minChofetz Chaim Podcast25 - The Folly of Flattery (2)The Chofetz Chaim makes an astounding statement: "That a person is obliged to put himself in danger rather than flatter someone"!? The Gemora in Sotah says anyone who flatters his friend goes to purgatory for it, however Tosfos explains that's only when there is NO danger. Rav Moshe Feinstein asks why should flattery be any different from any other transgression in which case you never have to put yourself in danger, isn't it obvious? Why did Tosfos even bring it up and prove it from another Gemora? Rav Moshe explains based on a Yam Shel Shlomo that a person...2021-05-2406 minChofetz Chaim Podcast24 - The Folly of FlatteryPerhaps a less known prohibition is that of flattery. The Mishnah Berurah cautions us that when analyzing our actions at night to especially pay attention to the common ones such as "flattery...etc." If a persons intention in speaking Lashon Hara is to flatter the listener by telling him negative information about his enemy then this is the serious sin of flattery which also reinforces their conflict. Even if the listener of Lashon Hara just nods his head while listening or adds very little on his own then if the reason he does it stems from trying to gain...2021-05-2307 minChofetz Chaim Podcast23 - Raising up the DowntroddenThe Torah requires extra sensitivity to the orphan and widow and the punishment is explicit in the Torah: "And My wrath shall burn, and I shall kill you by the sword, and your wives will be widows, and your children, orphans." This prohibition includes any downtrodden person as well and requires us not to cause them even a minute amount of pain. There was a story of a widow that couldn't afford rent and in return the landlord removed the roof of her house. The Chofetz Chaim was surprised nothing happened to him until a few years later a...2021-05-2008 minChofetz Chaim Podcast22 - Build don't Break! (2)Regarding the last episode, of course when discussing family members it should be noted that the impact of speech with them is much more significant. If while degrading the person while speaking, he turns white with embarrassment then additionally there is a transgression of ["Reprove, reprove, your fellow and] do not bear sin because of him." If it was in public as well then the speaker would lose his portion in the next world if he is habituated to this type of behavior. While we relate to this action as intuitively repugnant, the extent to its seriousness needs to...2021-05-1608 minChofetz Chaim Podcast21 - Build don't Break! (1)Many times a person will put down his friend while with him about previous mistakes, family issues, not being so learned, etc. This will overwhelm him and he will be unable to respond, even if there are no others around it's a transgression of "And you shall not wrong, one man his fellow". The Sefer HaChinuch tells us that if there was a hanging in a family, we need to be sensitive not to even mention the word 'hang' to him in any context. The Gemara says that a sincere smile is greater than giving a glass of milk...2021-05-1307 minChofetz Chaim Podcast20 - The Dangers of Strife (2)People often think of strife as being something not applicable in their lives. However, the Netziv describes the baseless hatred at the time of the second Beis HaMikdash was rooted in a perspective that "those Jews are different then us" which then led them to be viewed as heretics. A timely suggestion is offered that can help us develop a love for all Jews.
HaAmek Davar - Genesis (Introduction)
ע״כ מפני שנאת חנם שבלבם זא״ז חשדו את מי שראו שנוהג שלא כדעתם ביראת ה׳ שהוא צדוקי ואפיקורס
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (as quoted in the “Introduction by Translator” to Horeb, “The Classification of the Mitzvoth,” p.1xix)
“If I had the power I would provisionally close all synagogues for a hundred y...2021-05-1308 minChofetz Chaim Podcast19 - The Danger of StrifeIf the Lashon Hara that he speaks results in strengthening or maintaining a dispute then there is another prohibition of "And he shall not be as Korach and as his congregation". The Rambam tells us that despite the verbose and excessive discussions in Chazal about the topic of conflict they have not exhausted the topic in regards to how damaging it really is. The Chofetz Chaim's yeshiva had a big conflict and when he found out about it he spoke for two hours straight about how bitter and terrible it is. He declared "rather 70 yeshivas be shut down or...2021-05-1205 minChofetz Chaim Podcast18 - Joining the Right GroupIf someone joins a group of gossip mongers he also violates the prohibition of "Do not incline after many for evil". Common examples are provided in which people choose to actively join these groups in which Lashon Hara are discussed. It can be helpful to remember that the individuals in the group are not respected with their association and to keep in mind the loftiness of the reward for each moment we control ourselves from joining.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְכָל זֶה שֶׁכָּתַבְנוּ (יא) הוּא בִּמְסַפֵּר בִּיחִידִי אוֹ שׁוֹמֵעַ בִּיחִידִי, אֲבָל אִם הוּא מְדַבֵּק עַצְמוֹ לַחֲבוּרָה שֶׁל אַנְשֵׁי רֶשַׁע וּבַעֲלֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע כְּדֵי לְסַפֵּר לָהֶם אוֹ כְּדֵי לִשְׁמֹעַ מֵהֶם, עוֹבֵר גַּם כֵּן עַל לָאו (שמות כ"ג ב') דְּ''לֹא תִהְיֶה אַחֲרֵי רַבִּים לְרָעֹת'' (לפי מה שכתב רבנו יונה במאמר ג'), שֶׁהוּא אַזְהָרָה, שֶׁלֹּא לְהַסְכִּים וּלְהִתְחַבֵּר עִם עוֹשֵׂי עָוֶל, אַף שֶׁהֵם רַבִּים, וְעַיֵּן לְקַמָן בְּאוֹת ו' בְּמִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה, שָׁם תִּרְאֶה שֶׁעוֹבֵר גַּם כֵּן עַל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה עַל יְדֵי הִתְחַבְּרוּתוֹ הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת, וְעַיֵּן לְעֵיל בְּאוֹת ד' בִּפְנִים בַּמֶה שֶׁכָּתַבְתִּי בְּשֵׁם פִּרְקֵי דְּרַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר בְּצַוָּאָתוֹ לִבְנוֹ עַל עִנְיָן זֶה.
כֵן אִיתָא (כתוב) בְּצַוָּאַת רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר הַגָּדוֹל שֶׁצִוָּה לְהוֹרְקְנוּס בְּנוֹ, וְזֶה לְשׁוֹנוֹ: בְּנִי, אַל תֵּשֵׁב בַּחֲבוּרוֹת הָאוֹמְרִים גְּנַאי מֵחַבְרֵיהֶם, כִּי כְּשֶׁהַדְּבָרִים עוֹלִים לְמַעְלָה בַּסֵפֶר נִכְתָּבִין, וְכָל הָעוֹמְדִים שָׁם נִכְתָּבִין בְּשֵׁם חֲבוּרַת רֶשַׁע.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Asei)
(וענין זה שכתבתי בפנים לענין כתות אנשים שייך גם כן על חתונה וכיוצא בה, שמסובין אלו כתות גם כן, והרבה פעמים מסית היצר ליכנס דוקא בתוך אנשים שיוכל לדבר עמהם כל מה שירצה ולשמוע מהם מעניני העולם וחדושיו ובודאי יפול על ידי זה בחטא העצום של לשון הרע ושאר איסורים התלוים בדבר זה, אבל אם יתגבר על יצרו וישב אצל בעלי תורה ינצל מחטא זה ויקיים עוד מצות עשה ובו תדבק וכמ"ש הרמב"ם והסמ"ג וכנ"ל). (באר מים חיים)
וכל שכן לפי מה שמצוי, בעונותינו הרבים, בשבת קדש אחר סעדה שלישית, שיש כמה כתות אנשים הלומדי תורה מסתמא משיחין בדברי אלהים חיים, ושארי אנשים מסתמא משיחין בענין הבלי העולם ובודאי מתגנדר על לשונם דברי לשון הרע והוללות ולצנות. אם כן מי שפורש מהבעלי תורה והולך ומטה אזנו לחברה הרעה הזאת כדי לשמע מהם ספוריהם ההבלים, עובר על מצות עשה זו, ולבד מה שעובר על "לא תהיה אחרי רבים לרעת", כמו שכתבנו לעיל בלאוין אות י"א, ועין [שם]2021-05-1007 minChofetz Chaim Podcast17 - Severity of SpeechA single witness cannot stand up to testify about any matters in a court of law and this is prohibited. We would think this wouldn't be such a significant issue since who should we tell if not the court? However, we have to realize the severity of the prohibition of speaking Lashon Hara and be confident the circumstances truly allow for this speech before we consider it.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְאִם קָם (י) וְהֵעִיד עָלָיו לִפְנֵי בֵּית דִּין בִּדְבַר אִסוּר בִּיחִידִי, כֵּיוָן שֶׁאֵין יָכוֹל לָבוֹא מִזֶּה שׁוּם תּוֹעֶלֶת לְעִנְיַן מָמוֹן וּשְׁבוּעָה וְלֹא לְעִנְיַן לִפְסֹל אֶת הָאִישׁ הַזֶּה מֵחֶזְקַת כַּשְׁרוּתוֹ, כֵּיוָן שֶׁהוּא עֵד אֶחָד בַּדָּבָר, אִם כֵּן שֵׁם בִּישׁ בְּעָלְמָא הוּא דְּקָא מַפִּיק עָלָיו, וְעוֹבֵר עַל יְדֵי זֶה גַּם כֵּן עַל לָאו (דברים י"ט ט"ו) דְּ''לֹא יָקוּם עֵד אֶחָד בְּאִישׁ לְכָל עָוֹן וּלְכָל חַטָאת'', וּצְרִיכִין בֵּית דִּין לְהַלְקוֹתוֹ עֲבוּר זֶה הַדָּבָר.
Be'er Mayim Chaim 10
הוא ממ''ש בפסחים (דף קי''ג) דטוביה חטא ואתא זיגוד לחודיה ואסהיד ביה קמיה דרב פפא נגדיה לזיגוד א''ל טוביה חטא וזיגוד מינגד אמר ליה אין דכתיב לא יקום עד אחד באיש לכל עון ולכל חטאת
Aruch LaNer - Sukkah
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-05-0905 minChofetz Chaim Podcast16 - The Right to Defend OneselfIn terms of the previous mentioned transgression of "Taking Revenge" we mentioned it applies even if someone is verbally assaulted, however if one is attacked of course the Torah allows for them to defend themselves. In such a case the "revenge" that the Torah prohibits is after time has passed from the initial interaction and his anger has passed. However there is a greater group that we aspire to be a part of and they disengage rather than respond because they don't want to get angry. The Torah describes them as loving Hashem and are willing to control...2021-05-0608 minChofetz Chaim Podcast15 - Overcoming RevengeAt times by speaking Lashon Hara, the speaker could be transgressing the prohibition of "bearing a grudge and taking revenge". This would occur in a case in which the speaker felt harmed or hurt from another. Originally he would harbor it in his heart until an opportunity presents itself to get the offender back, in this example by ruining his reputation. The perspective toward overcoming the desire to take revenge comes from an awareness that every pain or insult from another person was really tailor made from Hashem for me because it was decided this is the exact difficulty...2021-05-0606 minChofetz Chaim Podcast14 - Overcoming ResentmentAt times when someone speaks Lashon Hara, he will transgress "hating your brother in your heart". This hatred has to be expressed because when someone is hated but unaware of it he is in a vulnerable state. Its a mitzva for the person who harbors hatred to communicate his issues in a respectful way. We must overcome any uncomfortable feelings we may have by approaching him and strive toward this path of peace. This will give the "offender" a chance to be aware of his actions and apologize or try to rectify them.
2021-04-3005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast13 - Explaining the Desecration (2)Another type of desecration that occurs is when a person commits a transgression without any desire to do so. If there is no real drive to sin its considered as if he's acting rebelliously, and the Chofetz Chaim applies this desecration to both the speaker and listener. Seemingly people enjoy speaking gossip and derive pleasure from it, so how it be said that there's no benefit to it? Perhaps we can explain the pleasure as a feeling of providing juicy information to people which will enhance our honor. But this is a façade, in truth if we would c...2021-04-2905 minChofetz Chaim Podcast12 - Explaining the Desecration (1)Someone that is looked up to by those around him will also transgress the prohibition of desecrating Hashem's name. Since his actions are being analyzed and he's a person engaged in the study of Torah, it would be expected that he would be closer to perfection in his character. However when it it seems that the Torah isn't producing that perfection, people may conclude that the Torah system doesn't work.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְעוֹבֵר נַמֵי הַמְסַפֵּר וְהַמְקַבֵּל (ו) בְּלָאו (ויקרא כ"ב ל"ב) דְּ ''לֹא תְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי'', אַחֲרֵי שֶׁאֵין בָּזֶה תַּאֲוָה וְלֹא הֲנָאָה גַּשְׁמִית, שֶׁעַל יְדֵי זֶה יִתְגַּבֵּר יִצְרוֹ עָלָיו, עַל כֵּן נֶחְשָׁב הֶעָוֹן הַזֶּה כְּמֶרֶד וּפְרִיקַת עֹל מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם בְּעָלְמָא, וּמְחַלֵּל שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם בָּזֶה. וְזֶה דִּבַּרְנוּ אֲפִלּוּ בִּסְתַם אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּבִפְרָט אִם הוּא אִישׁ חָשׁוּב, שֶׁהַכָּל מִסְתַּכְּלִין עַל מַעֲשָׂיו, בְּוַדַּאי מִתְחַלֵּל הַשֵּׁם עַל יְדֵי זֶה. וְעַל אַחַת כַּמָה וְכַמָה אִם הָיָה הָעֲבֵרָה הַזֹּאת בָּרַבִּים, בְּוַדַּאי שֶׁהַחֵטְא גָּדוֹל עַד מְאֹד, שֶׁנִּקְרָא מְחַלֵּל שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם בָּרַבִּים.
Yoma 86a
......הֵיכִי דָּמֵי חִילּוּל הַשֵּׁם אָמַר רַב כְּגוֹן אֲנָא אִי שָׁקֵילְנָא בִּישְׂרָא מִטַּבָּחָא וְלָא יָהֵיבְנָא דְּמֵי לְאַלְתַּר אָמַר אַבָּיֵי לֹא שָׁנוּ אֶלָּא בְּאַתְרָא דְּלָא תָּבְעִי אֲבָל בְּאַתְרָא דְּתָבְעִי לֵית לַן בַּהּ
אַבָּיֵי אָמַר כִּדְתַנְיָא וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת ה׳ אֱלֹהֶיךָ שֶׁיְּהֵא שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם מִתְאַהֵב עַל יָדְךָ שֶׁיְּהֵא קוֹרֵא וְשׁוֹנֶה וּמְשַׁמֵּשׁ תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים וִיהֵא מַשָּׂאוֹ וּמַתָּנוֹ בְּנַחַת עִם הַבְּרִיּוֹת מָה הַבְּרִיּוֹת אוֹמְרוֹת עָלָיו אַשְׁרֵי אָבִיו שֶׁלִּמְּדוֹ תּוֹרָה אַשְׁרֵי רַבּוֹ שֶׁלִּמְּדוֹ תּוֹרָה אוֹי לָהֶם לַבְּרִיּוֹת שֶׁלֹּא לָמְדוּ תּוֹרָה פְּלוֹנִי שֶׁלִּמְּדוֹ תּוֹרָה רְאוּ כַּמָּה נָאִים דְּרָכָיו כַּמָּה מְתוּקָּנִים מַעֲשָׂיו עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר וַיֹּאמֶר לִי עַבְדִּי אָתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר בְּךָ אֶתְפָּאָר
Mesillas Yesharim - 11th Perek
והענין, שכל אדם לפי מדריגתו ולפי מה שהוא נחשב בעיני הדור, צריך שיתבונן לבלתי עשות דבר בלתי הגון לאיש כמותו, כי כפי רבות חשיבותו וחכמתו כן ראוי שירבה זהירותו בדברי העבודה ודקדוקו בה, ואם איננו עושה כן, הרי שם שמים מתחלל בו חס וחלילה, כי כבוד התורה הוא, שמי שמרבה הלימוד בה ירבה כמו כן ביושר ובתיקון המדות, וכל מה שיחסר מזה למי שמרבה בלימוד, גורם ביזיון ללימוד עצמו, וזה חס וחלילה חילול לשמו יתברך, שנתן לנו את תורתו הקדושה וצונו לעסוק בה להשיג על ידה שלימותנו.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-2806 minChofetz Chaim Podcast11 - The Haughtiness of Improper SpeechThe 5th Prohibition is to guard yourself to forget Hashem your G-D. This is essentially a warning of being haughty. In the context of Lashon Hara, since the speaker is putting down his friend he must think of himself as someone who doesn't have faults. Conversely if he was aware of his own faults he would not be speaking of others faults.
SeMaG - Negative Commandments 64
....אבל לחברה על לאו זה ולמנות זה בלאו לא היה דעתי גם רבינו משה לא חיברו ולא הזכירו בחשבון הלאוין וכשהגעתי להשלים ע"כ הלאוין וארא בחלום במראית הלילה הנה שכחת את העיקר השמר לך פן תשכח את ה' והתבוננתי עליו בבקר והנה יסוד גדול הוא ביראת השם הואלתי לחברו בעזרת יהיב חכמתא לחכימין אחרי כן עיינתי בספר פ"ק דסוטה [דף ה'] וגרסינן שם בהדיא אזהרה לגסי הרוח מניין רב נחמן ברבי יצחק אמר מהכא ורם לבבך ושכחת את ה' וכתיב השמר פן תשכח את ה' וכדרבי אבין אמר רבי אלעאי דאמר כל מקום שנאמר השמר פן ואל אינו אלא לא תעשה:
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְעוֹבֵר נַמֵי הַמְסַפֵּר (ה) לָשׁוֹן הָרָע בְּלָאו (דברים ה' י"א) דְּ''הִשָּׁמֵר לְךָ פֶּן תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ'', שֶׁהוּא אַזְהָרָה לְגַסֵי הָרוּחַ, כִּי כֵּיוָן שֶׁהוּא מַלְעִיג וּמִתְלוֹצֵץ עַל חֲבֵרוֹ, מִסְתָמָא הוּא מַחֲשִׁיב אֶת עַצְמוֹ לְחָכָם וּלְאִישׁ בַּאֲנָשִׁים, כִּי אִלּוּ הָיָה מַכִּיר אֶת נִגְעֵי עַצְמוֹ, לֹא הָיָה מַלְעִיג מֵחֲבֵרוֹ, וְיָדוּעַ מַאֲמַר רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּסוֹטָה (דף ד'), שֶׁעֲוֹן הַגַּאֲוָה קָשֶׁה עַד מְאֹד, כִּדְאִיתָא שָׁם, שֶׁעֲבוּר זֶה אֵין עֲפָרוֹ נִנְעָר לִתְחִיַּת הַמֵתִים, וְהוּא כְּעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים וּמַזָּלוֹת, וּשְׁכִינָה מְיַלֶּלֶת עָלָיו, וְהוּא נִקְרָא תּוֹעֵבָה, עַיֵּן שָׁם בַּגְּמָרָא. וּבִפְרָט אִם בַּסִפּוּר הַזֶּה שֶׁל קְלוֹן חֲבֵרוֹ הוּא מְכַבֵּד אֶת עַצְמוֹ, בְּוַדַּאי עוֹבֵר בְּלָאו זֶה, מִלְּבַד מַה שֶּׁכְּרָתוּהוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ''ל בְּרוּחַ קָדְשָׁם מֵעוֹלָם הַבָּא וְאָמְרוּ (ירושלמי, חגיגה פרק ב' הלכה א'): ''הַמִתְכַּבֵּד בִּקְלוֹן חֲבֵרוֹ אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא''.
Mishlei 3:34
אִם־לַלֵּצִ֥ים הֽוּא־יָלִ֑יץ ולעניים [וְ֝לַעֲנָוִ֗ים] יִתֶּן־חֵֽן׃
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-2705 minChofetz Chaim Podcast10 - Stumbling blocks in front of the BlindWe would think that both parties that are involved in the transgression of Lashon Hara would be viewed as willing partners interested in some form of gossip. The reality that the Torah is teaching us is they aren't considered in a normal healthy state of mind and therefore each one is guilty of causing the other to transgress with this communication.
Rambam - Sefer HaMitzvos (299)
הזהיר מהכשיל קצתנו את קצתנו והוא שאם ישאלך אדם עצה בדבר נפתה בו, ובאה האזהרה מלרמותו ומהכשילו אבל תישירהו על הדבר שתחשוב שהוא טוב וישר, והוא אמרו ולפני עור לא תתן מכשול. ולשון ספרי למי שהוא סומא בדבר ונוטל עצה ממך אל תתן לו עצה שאינה הוגנת. ולאו זה כולל ג"כ מי שיעזור על עבירה או יסבב אותה, כי הוא יביא האיש ההוא לעון ובעזרתו הכשילו וחזר עור ויפתהו ויעזרהו להשלים עבירתו או יכין לו סבת העבירה, ומאלו הפנים אמרו במלוה ולוה ברבית ששניהם יחד עוברים משום ולפני עור לא תתן מכשול, כי כל אחד משניהם עזר את חבירו והכין לו להשלים העבירה, ודברים רבים מאד מזה המין יאמרו בהן עובר משום ולפני עור לא תתן מכשול, ופשטיה דקרא כמו שזכרנו תחלה. (קדושים, שם פי"ב):
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְעוֹבֵר נַמֵי (ד) הַמְסַפֵּר וְהַמְקַבֵּל בְּלָאו (ויקרא י"ט י"ד) דְּ''לִפְנֵי עִוֵּר לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשׁוֹל'' כִּי כָּל אֶחָד נוֹתֵן מִכְשׁוֹל לִפְנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ, שֶׁיַּעֲבֹר עַל לָאוִין הַמְפֹרָשִׁין בַּתּוֹרָה.
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-2506 minChofetz Chaim Podcast09 - Leprosy nowadays?The third prohibition is to be guarded against the affliction of Leprosy to be very careful. Meaning, we must be vigilant from speech which will result in Leprosy. The Chofetz Chaim says although nowadays we see that people speak Lashon Hara and don't have this leprosy there still exists an impurity that comes with it. The two sides of the Ten Commandments were of equal size although the commandments between Hashem and man contain way more words than between man and man nevertheless the size was of a greater size because it should be more apparent since there's a...2021-04-2507 minChofetz Chaim Podcast08 - Do Not Receive a False(?) ReportThe speaker and listener of Lashon Hara both violate the transgression of accepting a false report. The reason the Torah refers to the report as false even though a true report is included is because its impossible there wont be a mix of words that are not completely true. When we call attention to certain faults people have, it implies that is who he is but it doesn't give the full context which is misleading and false although it isn't a "lie" in the classical sense.
Chofetz Chaim, Introduction (Lavin)
וְעוֹבֵר נַמֵי (גם כן) (ב) הַמְסַפֵּר אוֹ הַמְקַבֵּל בְּלָאו (שְׁמות כ"ג א') דְּ''לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא'' וְקָרֵי בֵּהּ נַמֵי לֹא תַשִּׂיא, וְאִם כֵּן לָאו זֶה כּוֹלֵל לִשְׁנֵיהֶם
2021-04-2205 minChofetz Chaim Podcast07 - Its all about PerspectiveThe first transgression comes from (ויקרא י"ט ט"ז): ''לֹא תֵלֵךְ רָכִיל בְּעַמֶךָ''. This is a reference to the initial stage of Lashon Hara in which the speaker "spies out the negative" to speak about. Klal Yisroel was punished 40 extra years in the desert as a result of the 40 days of spying on Eretz Yisroel which resulted in Lashon Hara about the land. Why was the punishment 40 years if the actual transgression was only done on one day? The main transgression was not the negative speech itself but it was the negative attitude they had as they were spying which spanned 40 days. This is true of all Lashon Hara, the main issu...2021-04-2105 minChofetz Chaim Podcast06 - The Antidote of Learning HalachaWe are told by the Creator of the Yetzer Hora that the ONLY successful method of dealing with its sickness is with the remedy of Torah. The most powerful way to utilize this method is by studying in depth the area in which we are struggling. Additionally we also receive a mystical hindering of the Yetzer Hora when we delve into the learning of that topic.
Mesillas Yesharim - 5th Perek
הא, למה זה דומה. לחולה שדרש ברופאים והכירו חליו ואמרו לו שיקח סם זה. והוא, מבלתי שתקדם לו ידיעה במלאכת הרפואה, יניח הסם ההוא ויקח מה שיעלה במחשבתו מן הסמים, הלא ימות החולה ההוא ודאי. כן הדבר הזה. כי אין מי שמכיר בחלי היצר הרע ובכחו המוטבע בו אלא בוראו שבראו, והוא הזהירנו שהרפואה לו היא התורה. מי איפוא יניחה ויקח מה שיקח זולתה ויחיה, ודאי שחושך החומריות ילך ויגבר עליו מדרגה אחר מדרגה והוא לא יבין עד שימצא שקוע ברעה ורחוק מן האמת הרחק גדול שאפילו הרהורי דברים לא יעלו על לבו לבקש האמת.
Iggeres HaMussar
הַנִּשְׂגָּב וְהָעִקָּר בְּשִׁמּוּשׁ רְפוּאוֹת הַתּוֹרָה לְתַחֲלוּאֵי הַיֵּצֶר, הוּא לִלְמֹד בְּעֹז וְעִיּוּן עָמֹק הֵיטֵב, דִּינֵי הָעֲבֵרָה עַצְמָהּ, הַהֲלָכָה עִם כָּל סְעִיפֶיהָ. כִּי עֵינֵינוּ הָרוֹאוֹת הַרְבֵּה מֵהָעֲבֵרוֹת אֲשֶׁר הָאָדָם נִמְנָע מֵהֶם בְּטֶבַע, וְלֹא יַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶם אַף גַּם בְּעֵת אֲשֶׁר יִלְחֲצֶנּוּ לָזֶה אֵיזֶה דָּבָר, וְיֶשְׁנָם עֲבֵרוֹת חֲמוּרוֹת מֵאֵלּוּ, וְהָאָדָם הַזֶּה בְּעַצְמוֹ יַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶם בְּנָקֵל. דֶּרֶךְ מָשָׁל, חֵלֶק גָּדוֹל מֵאַחֵינוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּמְעַט רֻבָּם כְּכֻלָּם לֹא יֹאכְלוּ, בְּלִי נְטִילַת יָדַיִם חָלִילָה, אַף גַּם בְּעֵת אֲשֶׁר יִרְעֲבוּ וְיִצְטַעֲרוּ הַרְבֵּה. וּבְלָשׁוֹן הָרָע הַחֲמוּרָה, בְּנָקֵל יַעַבְרוּ עָלֶיהָ גַּם בְּלִי תַּאֲוָה גְּדוֹלָה. וְעַתָּה הִנְּנוּ רוֹאִים כִּי עִקַּר הַשְּׁמִירָה מֵהָעֲבֵרָה הִיא, רַק לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת הַהֶרְגֵּל (הַשִּׁמּוּר) טֶבַע אֵצֶל הָאָדָם, עַל כֵּן אַף אִם יִתְאַמֵּץ הָאָדָם הַלָּזֶה לָלֶכֶת בְּדַרְכֵי הַמּוּסָר, לְיַגֵּעַ עַצְמוֹ בְּהַשְּׁמִירָה מִלָּשׁוֹן הָרָע עִם כָּל חוּשָׁיו וְרַעְיוֹנָיו כַּיָּאוֹת, בְּכָל זֹאת, כָּל עוֹד שֶׁלֹּא נִתְחַלֵּף טִבְעוֹ וְהֶרְגֵּלוֹ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה לוֹ שׁוּם חֵפֶץ טִבְעִי לְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע, יוֹתֵר יַעֲבֹר בְּנָקֵל עַל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע מֵאֲשֶׁר יֹאכַל בְּלִי נְטִילַת יָדַיִם חָלִילָה. וְכֵן הוּא הָעִנְיָן בְּכָל מִינֵי עֲבֵרוֹת, הַכֹּל לְפִי הָאָדָם וְהַזְּמַן וְהַמָּחוֹז, כִּי גַּם לֹא כָּל הַמְּחוֹזוֹת שָׁוִים בָּזֶה, כִּי אִם מִתְחַלְּפִים בְּעִנְיָנָם, כָּל מָחוֹז יֵשׁ לוֹ עֲבֵרוֹת אֲחֵרוֹת אֲשֶׁר יִשָּׁמֵר אֶצְלָם בְּנָקֵל וּמְרֻחָק מֵהֶם בְּטֶבַע.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
גַּם לְבַד זֶה יָדוּעַ הוּא מַה שֶּׁהוּבָא בְּמִדְרַשׁ רַבָּה פָּרָשַׁת נָשׂא {י"ד ד'}, וְזֶה לְשׁוֹנוֹ: אִם יָגַעְתָּ הַרְבֵּה בְּדִבְרֵיהֶם, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מֵסִיר יֵצֶר הָרָע מִמְּךָ. עַל כֵּן אָמַרְתִּי אֶל לִבִּי, אֶפְשָׁר שֶׁעַל יְדֵי שֶׁיְּעַיְּנוּ בַּסֵפֶר הַזֶּה, שֶׁהוּא מְלֻקָּט מִכָּל דִּבְרֵי הָרִאשׁוֹנִים בְּעִנְיָן זֶה וְיִתְבּוֹנְנוּ בּוֹ, לֹא יִשְׁלֹט כָּל כָּךְ הַיֵּצֶּר הָרָע בְּעָוֹן זֶה. וּמִמֵּילָא כְּשֶׁיִּמְשֹׁךְ מִתְּחִלָּה אֶת עַצְּמוֹ מֵּעָוֹן זֶה בְּמִקְצָת, בְּהֶמְשֵׁךְ הַזְּמַן יִמְשֹׁךְ אֶת יָדוֹ מִמֶּנּוּ לְגַמְרֵי
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-2005 minChofetz Chaim Podcast05 - With Divine AssistanceTo those that propound that the Laws of proper speech are too numerous and difficult, the Chofetz Chaim responds that Hashem does not act unfairly with His creation and its impossible He would give us a command that we're unable to adhere to. We find by the builders of the Mishkan that Hashem gave them ability beyond their potential due to their inspiration and firm commitment and the same applies to all matters of Divine service.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
וידעתי גם ידעתי כי ימצאו אנשים, אשר ירצו להמעיט את מעלת הלמוד בענין זה, ויתלו את עצמן במאמר חז"ל: מוטב שיהיו שוגגין, ואל יהיו מזידין, אך באמת הדין אתי משני צדדים. א. בדבר המפרש בתורה, אין אומרים מוטב וכו', כמו שפסק בארח חיים בסימן תר"ח סעיף ב' בהג"ה, ולשון הרע ורכילות הוא דבר המפרש בתורה ועוד, אם כן לא נלמד לרבים הלכות גזל, דגם זה קשה מאד לקים, כמו שאמרו חז"ל בבבא בתרא דף קס"ה. (ואף שבלשון הרע אמרו שם, שכלם נכשלין, הלא לא אמרו רק באבק, כמו שהקשה הגמרא שם: בלשון הרע סלקא דעתך (עלתה בדעתך). ויהיה תועלת על כל פנים מלמוד ענינים אלו להנצל מעצם העון, ואפלו מאבק לשון הרע יוכל להנצל, אם יתן לבו ורעיוניו לזה, דלא אמרו אין אדם וכו', רק בסתמא) וכן לא נלמדם הלכות שבת, שהם כהררים התלוים בשערה, והרבה דינים יש בהם, שקשה מאד לקים אותם. ועוד היאך העתיקו לנו חז"ל בערכין (דף ט"ו: ודף ט"ז) העקרים בענינים אלו, כגון, מה שאמרו שם: היכי דמי לישנא בישא, נורא בי פלניא (איך נקרא לשון הרע? אש אצל פלוני) וכדומה. ועוד מגופא דקרא נוכיח, הלא כתיב בתורה: "זכור את אשר עשה ה' אלהיך למרים" וכו', והביא הרמב"ן בבאורו בשם הספרי, שצריך לזכר תמיד בפה מעשה מרים כדי שעל ידי זה נתבונן את גדל העון המר, ולדבריהם, אדרבה, לא נזכר, ונוכל להיות שוגגין בזה, אלא ודאי דהתורה ירדה לסוף דעת האדם, שבכחו להיות נזהר מזה העון, דאי לאו הכי אין הקדוש ברוך הוא בא בטרוניא עם בריותיו, וכאשר יתבונן תמיד בזה, יהיה לו בודאי לתועלת גדולה להנצל מעון זה.
Toras HaBayis
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-2003 minChofetz Chaim Podcast04 - Success is not Black and WhiteWe should relate to Mitzvos in a way that any slight deviation in performance has a massive difference in results. Even if learning these laws don't prevent speaking Lashon Hara completely there is still a tremendous benefit to even refrain from its speech for a moment. We need to appreciate every victory that we achieve no matter how small in order to use it as a stepping stone toward success.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
עוד ימצא תועלת גדולה מלמוד ענינים אלו, שעל ידי זה לא יהיה דבר זה בעיניו כהפקר, ואז אפלו אם יהיה, חס ושלום, נכשל בזה לפרקים, איננו בכלל בעלי לשון הרע, שעל זה אמרו חז"ל בערכין, ששקול כנגד ג' עונות החמורות, ואינם מקבלין פני שכינה, וכיוצא מענשין החמורין, כמו שמוכח מדברי רבנו יונה ב"שערי תשובה" ומדברי ה"כסף משנה" ברמב"ם בפרק ז' מהלכות דעות רק כשאר לאו דעלמא. גם על ידי זה ידע בנפשו שחטא לפני ה', וכמו שאמר הכתוב (ירמיה ב, לה): "הנני נשפט אותך על אמרך לא חטאתי", ויראה לפיס את חברו עבור זה, או לפחות שלא לדבר עליו עוד הפעם, מה שאין כן אם ישליך, חס ושלום, את הדבר אחר גוו, ואינו חושבו לעון כלל
Mesillas Yesharim - 1st Perek
מעתה ודאי הוא, שהדקדוק שידקדק על ענין המצות והעבודה, מוכרח שיהיה בתכלית הדקדוק כאשר ידקדקו שוקלי הזהב והפנינים לרוב יקרם, כי תולדתם נולדת בשלמות האמיתי והיקר הנצחי שאין יקר למעלה ממנו.
Chovos HaLevovos - Sha'ar Yichud HaMaaseh (5th Perek)
ועל כן ראוי לך שתהיה נזהר ממנו. ואל תמלא ממשאלותיו בך מאומה רק יגדל בעיניך המעט שבמעט מנצוחו והמצער מהתגברותו כדי שתהיה לך מדרגה אל מה שלמעלה ממנו כי במהרה תהיה תשוקתו אליך, ולא יעמוד לפניך בעמדך כנגדו כמ״ש (בראשית ד׳:ז׳) ואליך תשוקתו ואתה תמשל בו
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com2021-04-1504 minChofetz Chaim Podcast03 - Understanding our Disregard for Lashon HaraThere are many reasons why people disregard the issue of Lashon Hara, among them are certain justifications that its "important" for this information to get out. Another deceitful tactic used is the exaggerated difficulty in living a life following the laws of proper speech.
If a person feels like certain laws are too restrictive and burdensome it means something went wrong within his understanding of Judaism since the reality is the laws are only there to enhance our quality of life.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
וְהִתְבּוֹנַנְתִּי שֶׁזֶּה הוּא מִכַּמָּה סִבּוֹת, לֶהָמוֹן מִצַּד אֶחָד וּלְהַלּוֹמְדִים מִצַּד אַחֵר. הֶהָמוֹן אֵינָם יוֹדְעִים כְּלָל שֶׁאִסוּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע הוּא אֲפִלּוּ עַל אֱמֶת, וּלְהַבַּעֲלֵי תּוֹרָה אַף אוֹתָם שֶׁנִּתְבָּרֵר לָהֶם ....וְנִתְאַמֵּת לָהֶם שֶׁאִסוּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע אֲפִלּוּ עַל אֱמֶת, יֵשׁ מֵהֶם כַּמָּה שֶׁיֵּצֶר הָרָע מַטְעֶה אוֹתָם בְּפָנִים אֲחֵרִים
....כְּלָלוֹ שֶׁל דָּבָר: הַיֵּצֶּר הָרָע פְּעֻלָּתוֹ אַחַת מִשְּׁתֵּיהֶן, אוֹ שֶׁמְפַתֵּהוּ, שֶׁאֵין דָּבָר זֶה נִכְנָס בִּכְלַל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע, אוֹ שֶׁעַל אִישׁ כָּזֶה לֹא צִּוְּתָה הַתּוֹרָה בְּאִסוּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע
וְאִם רוֹאֶה הַיֵּצֶּר הָרָע, שֶׁבְּאֵלּוּ עִנְיָנִים לֹא יְנַצַּח לָאָדָם, הוּא מְרַמֶּה אוֹתוֹ בְּהֶפֶךְ, שֶׁמַּחְמִיר עָלָיו כָּל כָּךְ בְּעִנְיַן לָשׁוֹן הָרָע, עַד שֶׁמַּרְאֶה לוֹ שֶׁהַכּל נִכְנָס בִּכְלַל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע, וְאִם כֵּן אִי אֶפְשָׁר לִחְיוֹת חַיֵּי תֵּבֵל בְּעִנְיַן זֶה אִם לֹא שֶׁיִּפְרש לְגַמְרֵי מֵעִנְיְנֵי הָעוֹלָם
Dubno Maggid, Sefer Yeshaya
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com
2021-04-1506 minChofetz Chaim Podcast02 - Roots of the Indifference to Lashon HaraImagine if someone would tempt a religious Jew to eat non-kosher or stumble with a sin of immorality, he would be furious, yet when it comes to the issue of Lashon Hara they don't flinch. We need to analyze why we react with indifference in order to know how we can work on this problem.
Chofetz Chaim, Preface
....ואֲחַשְּׁבָה לָדַעַת זֹאת, מֵאַיִן נַעֲשָׂה הַלָּאו הַזֶּה הֶפְקֵר כָּל כָּךְ לְעֵינִי הַרְבֵּה בְּנִי אָדָם
Please send any feedback for any of the episodes to ekuritsky1@gmail.com
2021-04-1502 minChofetz Chaim Podcast01 - Introduction To Sefer Chofetz ChaimLetter From HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, on Coronavirus | Hamodia.com
https://hamodia.com/2020/03/13/letter-harav-chaim-kanievsky-shlita-coronavirus/
Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer tells us the ONLY way to be careful in regards to our speech is through establishing fixed study in learning the laws of proper speech.
The Chofetz Chaim expresses shock that people chase after all types of segulos despite the fact that its worthless due to the Torah's curse for all those that aren't careful with their speech and inversely if they are careful it will bring the greatest blessing.
...2021-04-1504 min