? We have seen (Days 63-66) that even when it is clear to someone that one person has wronged another financially, he may not attempt to effect justice outside the confines of halachah.? This applies not only to a witness, but also
to the victim himself.
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If one feels that he has fallen victim to another person¡¯s dishonesty, and after verifying the facts concludes that he has a valid claim against that person, he must not publicly speak against that person for the sake of attaining restitution.? Rather, he should
confront the individual privately and, if necessary, consult a rav.? If possible, the name of the accused should not be mentioned.
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A witness may not divulge to the victim the identity of the perpetrator, if the victim could be expected to employ halachically unacceptable tactics to retrieve his money.
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? SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON ?
Idle Conversations ?
A distinguished Torah scholar offered the following advice: On Shabbos afternoons in the summertime, when Shalosh Seudos often ends well before dark and people go outside to enjoy the fresh air, never stand outside a synagogue or study hall and carry on a conversation
with someone. When such conversations do take place, what usually happens is that the two people are joined by a third, and then a fourth ... until a large group has congregated. Each person proceeds to relate whatever interesting developments occurred in
his business, on his street, or elsewhere during the week that passed. Inevitably, such discussions lead to loshon hora and lightheadedness. And who are to blame? The two who initiated the discussion. A wise man will consider the ramifications of his actions
before he acts.
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Our Sages teach: ¡°The righteous seek to find favor in the very area in which they sinned¡± (Tanchumah, Parashas Beshalach 24). Therefore, the first step for one who has caused others to accept or speak loshon hora is to accustom himself not to sit among groups
who engage in idle discussion, contrary to his habit thus far. According to Shelah, this suggestion is alluded to in the verse: ¡°Do not be a gossipmonger among your people¡± (Vayikra19:16). This can be interpreted homiletically: ¡°Gossipmonger do not walk among
your people¡± [i.e. among groups where you are liable to repeat past sins].
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Additionally, one should use his power of speech to arouse his brethren to strengthen their commitment to Torah and mitzvah observance, and he should strive to bring peace among Jews.
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