SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM ?
Day 29 ¨C Other Means of Communication
? Having concluded our discussion of the two basic categories of loshon hora (derogatory or harmful information), it is important to note several rules that apply equally to both:
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Loshon hora is not limited to speech.? Included in this prohibition is communication of derogatory or harmful information through any means.? Therefore, writing loshon hora, or using code, sign or body language (e.g. a cynical smile or rolling one¡¯s eyes upward
in exasperation) that communicates something negative or harmful is forbidden.
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To show others a letter or article that would reflect badly on its author is forbidden, as is revealing the identity of the author of a work that is known to be of poor quality.
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It is also forbidden to show photographs of people which they would find embarrassing.
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? SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON ? Forfeiting the Greatest of Treasures ?
Speaking loshon hora can cause the inestimable merit of one¡¯s Torah study to be forfeited. In the words of Midrash Shochar Tov (Tehillim ch. 52):
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Let not your mouth bring guilt on your flesh, and do not tell the emissary that it was an error. Why should God be angered by your speech and destroy the work of your hands? (Koheles 5:5).
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?Let not your mouth bring guilt on your flesh ¡ªby speaking loshon hora.
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Why should God be angered by your speech and destroy the work of your hands? ¡ª for you will lose the little Torah which you have to your credit.
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The intent of this Midrash is that, as already discussed,1 speaking loshon hora causes the speaker¡¯s merits to be transferred to the Heavenly account of the person against whom he spoke.
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When a Jew studies Torah, he perfects his entire being, for he draws upon himself a spirit of sanctity, which gives vitality to his body in this world and to his soul in the next world. Thus do the Sages teach (Eruvin 54a): ¡°One who feels pain in his head should
study Torah... One who feels pain in his throat should study Torah... One who feels pain in his entire body should study Torah, as it is written (Mishlei?4:22),
¡®And a cure for his entire flesh.¡¯ ¡±
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And all this can be lost through speaking loshon hora.
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See Day 17.
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