SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 35 ¨C Praise in the Presence of Adversaries
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Praising a person in a situation where someone present is likely to temper such praise with criticism is another form of avak loshon hora.? It is forbidden to praise in the presence of anyone who is known to dislike him, as it is
common for such people to respond by mentioning the person¡¯s shortcomings.
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Therefore, it is wrong to praise someone in the presence of a large group of people, since there is a reasonable chance that at least one person in the group dislikes him.
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Likewise, it is forbidden to praise a businessman in the presence of his competitors even if they claim to harbor no ill will towards him.
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Excessive praise should always be avoided for it can often cause people to respond negatively even when they have no particular dislike for the person being discussed.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Exceedingly Precious
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Sefer Ma¡¯alos HaMiddos continues to demonstrate that the attribute of peace is exceedingly precious:
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After creating heaven and earth, God¡¯s next task was the creation of light (Bereishis 1:3), and light represents peace, as it is written, ¡°Who forms light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates evil¡± (Yeshayahu 45:7). The Sages rule that when one has
to choose between purchasing Shabbos candles or wine for Kiddush, Shabbos candles take precedence, for their light brings harmony to one¡¯s home (Shabbos 23b).
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The Mishnah (Gittin 5:8) lists a number of enactments which were instituted to promote harmony among the community: ¡°These things were declared [by the Sages] because they are among the ways that foster harmony: A Kohen reads first [from the Torah scroll in
the synagogue], and after him a Levi, and after him a Yisrael, because this is [one of the] ways that foster harmony ...¡±1 And so it is written, ¡°Her [the Torah¡¯s] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peaceful¡± (Mishlei 3:17).
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The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:13) enumerates thirteen items which are exceedingly precious to Hashem, as evident by Scripture¡¯s use of the term ¡°for Me¡±, in connection with them, thus signifying their being God¡¯s prized possessions. Yet, only with regard
to peace is the term ¡°for Me¡±, used
twice, as it is written, ¡°If he would grasp My fortress, he would make peace for Me, peace would he make for Me¡± (Yeshayahu 27:5).
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By creating an immutable order for the Torah reading, the Sages prevented quarreling among the community (Rashi).
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