- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Lashon Hara
When is Lashon Ha-ra permissible (or obligatory)?
At the close of our Sedra, Miriam is punished for speaking negatively against Moshe, who had separated from Zipora, due to Moshe’s need to be available & in a state of ritual purity at all times. (Note that Miriam spoke only to their brother Ahron). Only in certain situations may one speak (ill) about others: 1) In discussing X with someone (e.g. therapist, dr) who can help X’s problem; 2) To prevent Y from being harmed by X (e.g. a sexual molester or con man); 3) To help end a dispute that harms the wider community; 4) To help others learn from Y’s mistakes (e.g. "Don’t invest with X like Y did; Y lost all his money"). Even then, one should utilize other means if those are available; the speaker should be acting out of genuine concern for the subject or others & not to exact revenge or to shame the subject; the information should be true & accurate. If there is the possibility to speak to the subject directly, rather than about him, then that is the preferable option.

"Killing Me Softly With His Words"
Rav Kook on Rebuking Negative Speech - Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 235
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 1 5780
Accepting Rejection
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Tevet 29 5780

May I Keep the Skeletons in the Closet?
What Personal Information Must I Divulge?
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Just Desserts
Michael Rothschild | Iyar 26 5780

Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.

Holy In Death, Holy In Life
27 577 Nissan 27 5776

It's a Package Deal!
Shvat 21 5781

Come Together, Right Now
5775

Who was the mysterious “wood gatherer” & what was his sin?
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Laws of the Etrog
How to choose an Etrog
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Laws of the Lulav
How to choose a Lulav
Rabbi Ido Yaakovi | Tishrei 5776

Sukkah Walls
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Writing on Shabbat
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff
פרק ב משנה ו פרק ג משנה א
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | 11 Tishrei 5784

Ask The Rabbi: What Should I Do To Prepare For The Fast?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | 5 Tishrei 5784
פרק א משנה ה-ו
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | 5 Tishrei 5784
