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The sages teach: "And all of them succumb to the 'dust' of slander" (Baba Batra 165a), and from here we can gather that the "dust of slander" (Avak Lashon HaRa) is a very difficult matter to avoid, so much so that nearly all become guilty of it.
What is "the dust of slander"? Dust of slander is not outright slander (Lashon HaRa), i.e., derogatory speech of others; rather, it is vague speech, statements which could be construed as negative. Dust, too, is filth and must be removed if one wishes his soul to be clean and spotless. Certain remarks appear favorable and one would think that they could not possibly fall into the category of slander, Yet, when one looks closer one sees the truth. For example, if a person praises somebody in the presence of the latter's enemies, this too is forbidden, for such speech merely adds jealousy and hatred. All it does is cause damage.
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
17 - 17. Sound Advice
18 - 18. Slander, Defamation, and Tale-bearing
19 - 19. Revenge and Grudge-bearing
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Slander (Lashon HaRa) does not involve lying. Lying about somebody is called defamation of character (Motzi Shem Ra). Slander means making a true yet derogatory statement about another person. An unjustified derogatory remark about another person, even though it is the truth, is forbidden.
And what is the difference between slander and tale-bearing (Rekhilut)? Slander is defined as making a derogatory remark about somebody, while tale-bearing means going to a person who was spoken of in a negative manner and reporting this fact to him, saying, "So-and-so said such-and-such about you." Like a peddler (Rokhel) buying from one person and selling to another, he hears a remark and then goes to tell the person spoken of what was said about him, and this leads to conflict and controversy.
This is exactly the opposite of the trait of Aaron who was a lover of peace and a promoter of peace. Aaron love people and would go from one person to another in order to make peace between them. He would say to each one that the other said good things about him and wants to make peace with him, and in this manner he would draw people together.
Tale-bearers and slanderers, on the other hand, cause tension and controversy. They claim that their intentions are good and that they only wish to warn and reprimand people. They say that this is the reason they tell one person what another says about him, but the ultimate results teach us the true nature of their remarks. If conflict, humiliation, and suffering result, the remarks made were of a forbidden nature and deserving of disdain. If, on the other hand, friendship, happiness and improved relations result, the remarks made were of a permissible nature, and perhaps even constitute the fulfillment of a commandment.
It is impossible to trust a tale-barer. "Tale-bearers reveal secrets," say the sages, and in the same manner they tell you about others, they may well be telling others about you. It is impossible to love them and impossible to trust them. But he who adopts the path of Aaron loves people and people love him.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
