Please Say/Whisper The Words Out Loud
Lesson 1
The 32nd Chapter of Tanya
(Chassidic Teachings) addresses the common question of how we are supposed to
love another Jew as ourself, a concept most people see as impossible. Addressing
this issue, the author states that such a question is
completely irrelevant because essentially, we
Jews are all compositions of
the same
soul. The only thing that separates us from each other is our bodies. The
essence of shmirat halashon (protecting our speech) is not about making sure we
don’t say anything negative about another person because we wouldnt like people
to say that about us. In reality, we are the same person. Speaking Lashon hara
about others is in essence, speaking lashon hora about ourselves. Why would we
do that?
Lesson 2
Moshiach is the harmonization and
perfection of this world. Treating each other with respect and ensuring harmony
in this world gives us a glimpse of what moshiach is, as well as bring us one
step closer to that perfection. Shmirat Halashon is not just a bunch of laws
restricting what we say. Its about learning to appreciate the value of words and
the implications everything we say has on building or breaking relationships.
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Lashon Hora = Saying a derogatory/negative
statement about someone else that is TRUE
Motzi Shaim Ra (Defamation of Character) =
Saying a derogatory statement that is FALSE
About Whom is it Forbidden to Speak Lashon Hora
- Any Individual Jew - Alive or not, - adult or child, family member (spouse,
in-laws, parent, child, siblings), groups/sects of Jews, Entire Jewish Nation
Important Numbers
