SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 149 ¨C Rechilus and Loshon Hora
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The conditions for a statement to be considered proper, constructive speech, rather than prohibited rechilus, are almost identical to those which permit communicating information that would otherwise be considered loshon hora (i.e.
information that is derogatory or harmful). In fact, a study of the situations which permit rechilus l¡¯toeles (for a constructive purpose) will reveal that virtually every case involves loshon hora as well.
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As discussed above, among the reasons which permit speaking rechilus for a constructive purpose are the prevention or termination of harm, or gaining restitution for harm caused by the subject. Such statements invariably incriminate the subject, and are therefore
loshon hora. Thus, for rechilus to be spoken for a constructive purpose, all conditions which permit speaking loshon hora for a constructive purpose must be met as well.
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Conversely, not all motives that justify negative speech qualify as a constructive purpose to permit speaking rechilus. While one may publicize the wrongdoings of an individual if social pressure could bring about a change in his behavior, one could not do
so if the victim is as yet unaware of the individual¡¯s identity. The evils of causing animosity between the victim and villain outweigh the possibility that social pressure will yield concrete constructive results.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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¡°When Your Enemy Falls ...¡¯¡¯
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How careful must a Jew be not to rejoice over his fellow¡¯s downfall or disgrace! As Scripture states, ¡°When your enemy falls be not glad, and when he stumbles, let your heart not be joyous. Lest Hashem see it and it displease Him, and He will turn His wrath
from him [to you]¡¯¡¯ (Mishlei 3:5). To rejoice over another¡¯s failures is to direct the Attribute of Judgment toward oneself in a powerful way. Moreover, this sin has the destructive power of idol worship. The Sages relate (Midrash Eichah 1:21) that at the
time of the First Destruction the soul of the Patriarch Avraham entered the Temple ruins. ¡°What is My beloved doing in My house?¡¯¡¯ asked Hashem. Responded Avraham, ¡°Why have my descendants been cast into exile among the nations of the world?¡¯¡¯ Hashem answered,
¡°Because they worship idols and rejoice over each other¡¯s downfall.¡¯¡¯ Thus, Hashem equates these two sins.
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One should forever reflect upon his own spiritual failings so that he will be reminded that he too is deserving of shame and scorn. It is the merits of his ancestors, coupled with other factors for which he can take no credit that Hashem, in His mercy, spares
him from shame. With this outlook, one will truly empathize with those who experience failure and disappointment in their personal lives.
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