6141 – A Good Word? -

A. In principle the Biblical prohibition of lashon hara (derogatory speech or gossip) strictly applies to fellow Jews rather than gentiles, based on the verse "Do not go about as a talebearer among your people." (Leviticus 19:16).

However, authorities differ on whether a rabbinic restriction still applies on Gentiles.

Some Rabbinic authorities, such as Rav Nissim Karelitz (Chut Shani) and Rav Chaim Kanievsky—teach that speaking badly about a non-Jewish person is still restricted by the Rabbis as a safeguard. This rule prevents a person from developing a bad habit of gossip that might then spill over into speaking lashon hara about fellow Jews.

However some authorities, such as the Netziv (Ha'amek She'ela), argue there is no rabbinic prohibition against speaking negatively about a non-Jew under these parameters.

Poskim write that even when permitted by the strict letter of the law, still Jewish ethics generally discourage speaking ill of anyone. Furthermore, speaking poorly about others can lead to chiddul Hashem (the desecration of God's name) or create animosity.

However, there are some elections which may affect many areas in living our normal Torah lives properly. During the debates and other campaign workups, when exposing and disclosing which candidate is good and which is faulty or incompetent or may affect the proper keeping of of our Torah lives, one should definitely be allowed and may even be required to expose the incompetence and wrongdoing of the negative candidates. One should consult the Talmidei Chachamim and correct Rabbinical leaders of his community and follow their advice.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a

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