Lashon Hara - Revision history

Countryyid613: mispelled

2025-10-12T13:16:12Z

mispelled

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 12 October 2025
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	==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==		==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==

	#If one is looking to engage another party – for a business partnership or family relationship, for example – and is at a stage where it is appropriate to research someone else's background, reputation, or character, he is permitted to inquire and obtain relevant information that might otherwise be considered ~~Loshan~~ Harah.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>		#If one is looking to engage another party – for a business partnership or family relationship, for example – and is at a stage where it is appropriate to research someone else's background, reputation, or character, he is permitted to inquire and obtain relevant information that might otherwise be considered Lashon Harah.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>
	#One does not have license to obtain any negative information unless it is really relevant and necessary to the potential partnership. Still, even when the impetus for the fact-finding is justified, one is very much obligated to disclose his reason for asking for negative information. This is so the person answering does not relate information with the wrong intention.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>		#One does not have license to obtain any negative information unless it is really relevant and necessary to the potential partnership. Still, even when the impetus for the fact-finding is justified, one is very much obligated to disclose his reason for asking for negative information. This is so the person answering does not relate information with the wrong intention.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>

YitzchakSultan1: Text replacement - "S"A" to "Shulchan Aruch"

2023-07-13T20:35:10Z

Text replacement - "S"A" to "Shulchan Aruch"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:35, 13 July 2023
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	==Required form of Lashon Hara==		==Required form of Lashon Hara==
	#If one sees somebody going to steal from or damage his friend's property then one is obligated to inform his friend and not stand idly by. <ref> ~~S"A~~ 264:1. However, this is not the case if the person stealing or damaging is a minor (Yabia Omer 8:6; Hut HaShemi, page 354) </ref>		#If one sees somebody going to steal from or damage his friend's property then one is obligated to inform his friend and not stand idly by. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 264:1. However, this is not the case if the person stealing or damaging is a minor (Yabia Omer 8:6; Hut HaShemi, page 354) </ref>

	==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==		==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==

Unknown user: /* Required form of Lashon Hara */

2023-06-05T04:52:50Z

Required form of Lashon Hara

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:52, 5 June 2023
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	==Required form of Lashon Hara==		==Required form of Lashon Hara==
	#If one sees somebody going to steal from or damage his friend's property then one is obligated to inform his friend and not stand idly by. <ref> S"A 264:1 </ref>		#If one sees somebody going to steal from or damage his friend's property then one is obligated to inform his friend and not stand idly by. <ref> S"A 264:1. However, this is not the case if the person stealing or damaging is a minor (Yabia Omer 8:6; Hut HaShemi, page 354) </ref>

	==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==		==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==

Unknown user: /* Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah */

2023-06-04T04:29:44Z

Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:29, 4 June 2023
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	#On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.		#On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.
	#If someone sees another Jew sin and he believes that it will be more effective for his father or rebbe to rebuke him than if he were to do so himself then it is permitted to tell his father or rebbe.<ref>Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara (ch. 10 fnt. 31 p. 175) based on Kiddushin 33a and Bechorot 30b</ref>		#If someone sees another Jew sin and he believes that it will be more effective for his father or rebbe to rebuke him than if he were to do so himself then it is permitted to tell his father or rebbe.<ref>Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara (ch. 10 fnt. 31 p. 175) based on Kiddushin 33a and Bechorot 30b</ref>

			==Required form of Lashon Hara==
			#If one sees somebody going to steal from or damage his friend's property then one is obligated to inform his friend and not stand idly by. <ref> S"A 264:1 </ref>

	==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==		==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==

Unknown user: /* Permitted forms of saying Lashon Harah */

2022-11-28T03:53:22Z

Permitted forms of saying Lashon Harah

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:53, 28 November 2022
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	##There must be no other way in which to achieve whatever constructive purposes saying the Lashon Harah will accomplish.		##There must be no other way in which to achieve whatever constructive purposes saying the Lashon Harah will accomplish.
	##Even if all other criteria are fulfilled, one still may not say Lashon Harah if the damage caused to the person discussed will be greater than can be justified by the shortcoming in question.		##Even if all other criteria are fulfilled, one still may not say Lashon Harah if the damage caused to the person discussed will be greater than can be justified by the shortcoming in question.
			#Rav Eliezer Melamed notes that the most critical condition is whether it is purposeful (to'elet) and important for the recipient to hear to save them from a potential pitfall. If one can't fulfill all seven conditions it is still permitted as long as it is for that purpose.<ref>[https://www.inn.co.il/news/444563 Rav Eliezer Melamed on Arutz Sheva]</ref>
	#On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.		#On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.
	#If someone sees another Jew sin and he believes that it will be more effective for his father or rebbe to rebuke him than if he were to do so himself then it is permitted to tell his father or rebbe.<ref>Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara (ch. 10 fnt. 31 p. 175) based on Kiddushin 33a and Bechorot 30b</ref>		#If someone sees another Jew sin and he believes that it will be more effective for his father or rebbe to rebuke him than if he were to do so himself then it is permitted to tell his father or rebbe.<ref>Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara (ch. 10 fnt. 31 p. 175) based on Kiddushin 33a and Bechorot 30b</ref>

Unknown user: Text replacement - " Biblical" to " biblical"

2020-12-03T10:10:39Z

Text replacement - " Biblical" to " biblical"

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 3 December 2020
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	Lashon Harah is any form of speech or communication that may harm someone else emotionally, financially, physically or damage their general reputation.<ref>Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 7:5. Regarding reputation damage, cf. Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 1:1.</ref> The severity of Lashon Harah is so awesome that according to the Chafetz Chaim, violating the prohibition of Loshan Harah entails transgressing at least six negative ~~Biblical~~ commandments and at least two positive commandments.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah, Peticha. The gemara Yerushalmi Peah 1:1 tells us that just like studying torah is equal to all other mitzvot, so is the sin of lashon hara equal to all other sins. The gemara Sota 42a says that people who speak lashon hara are included among those who are not permitted to greet the Shechinah. </ref>		Lashon Harah is any form of speech or communication that may harm someone else emotionally, financially, physically or damage their general reputation.<ref>Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 7:5. Regarding reputation damage, cf. Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 1:1.</ref> The severity of Lashon Harah is so awesome that according to the Chafetz Chaim, violating the prohibition of Loshan Harah entails transgressing at least six negative biblical commandments and at least two positive commandments.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah, Peticha. The gemara Yerushalmi Peah 1:1 tells us that just like studying torah is equal to all other mitzvot, so is the sin of lashon hara equal to all other sins. The gemara Sota 42a says that people who speak lashon hara are included among those who are not permitted to greet the Shechinah. </ref>
	==General guidelines==		==General guidelines==

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	==Listening to Lashon Harah==		==Listening to Lashon Harah==

	#There is a ~~Biblical~~ prohibition of believing any form of Lashon Harah, even if the subject of discussion is present and does not deny what's being said about him.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 7:1-2 from gemara in Pesachim 87b and 118a. See Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot 181 and Hilchot Sanhedrin 21:7, Sefer HaChinukh 74, Shaarei [[Teshuvah]] 303:211 </ref>		#There is a biblical prohibition of believing any form of Lashon Harah, even if the subject of discussion is present and does not deny what's being said about him.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 7:1-2 from gemara in Pesachim 87b and 118a. See Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot 181 and Hilchot Sanhedrin 21:7, Sefer HaChinukh 74, Shaarei [[Teshuvah]] 303:211 </ref>
	#The one who accepts Lashon Hara is worse than the one who says it <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:2 </ref>.		#The one who accepts Lashon Hara is worse than the one who says it <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:2 </ref>.
	#Even if Lashon Harah is said for constructive purposes (and within the guidelines of what is allowed to be said), the listener may not wholeheartedly believe what is being said, but may only take precautions in dealing with the person about whom they have heard negative information. In addition, even if one has resolved not to believe Lashon Harah he might hear, it is still forbidden to continue listening to such conversation.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 6:2. Rav Moshe Shternbuch Teshuvot Vihanhagot, 1:555 says that humans are incapable of such control and therefore explains that the prohibition of accepting lashon hara is only to have one's behavior toward the subject change as a consequence of having heard it. The mental acceptance however is permitted. </ref>		#Even if Lashon Harah is said for constructive purposes (and within the guidelines of what is allowed to be said), the listener may not wholeheartedly believe what is being said, but may only take precautions in dealing with the person about whom they have heard negative information. In addition, even if one has resolved not to believe Lashon Harah he might hear, it is still forbidden to continue listening to such conversation.<ref>Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 6:2. Rav Moshe Shternbuch Teshuvot Vihanhagot, 1:555 says that humans are incapable of such control and therefore explains that the prohibition of accepting lashon hara is only to have one's behavior toward the subject change as a consequence of having heard it. The mental acceptance however is permitted. </ref>

Unknown user: Text replacement - ". " to "."

2020-07-14T16:02:45Z

Text replacement - ". <ref>" to ".<ref>"

Yonatanf89 at 02:00, 2 July 2019

2019-07-02T02:00:55Z

Show changes

YitzchakSultan: /* Permitted forms of saying Lashon Harah */

2017-08-16T02:27:07Z

Permitted forms of saying Lashon Harah

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 16 August 2017
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	## Even if all other criteria are fulfilled, one still may not say Lashon Harah if the damage caused to the person discussed will be greater than can be justified by the shortcoming in question.		## Even if all other criteria are fulfilled, one still may not say Lashon Harah if the damage caused to the person discussed will be greater than can be justified by the shortcoming in question.
	# On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.		# On the listener's part, he or she may only act protectively as a result of negative information heard. However, one may not accept the information heard as fact and consequently express disdain or animosity toward the subject, but only take precautionary measures as needed.
			# If someone sees another Jew sin and he believes that it will be more effective for his father or rebbe to rebuke him than if he were to do so himself then it is permitted to tell his father or rebbe.<ref>Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara (ch. 10 fnt. 31 p. 175) based on Kiddushin 33a and Bechorot 30b</ref>

	==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==		==Permitted forms of eliciting Lashon Harah==
	# If one is looking to engage another party – for a business partnership or family relationship, for example – and is at a stage where it is appropriate to research someone else's background, reputation, or character, he is permitted to inquire and obtain relevant information that might otherwise be considered Loshan Harah.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>		# If one is looking to engage another party – for a business partnership or family relationship, for example – and is at a stage where it is appropriate to research someone else's background, reputation, or character, he is permitted to inquire and obtain relevant information that might otherwise be considered Loshan Harah.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 4:11</ref>

Yirmiyahu Perlow at 20:50, 12 June 2015

2015-06-12T20:50:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:50, 12 June 2015
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	==Listening to Lashon Harah==		==Listening to Lashon Harah==
	# There is a Biblical prohibition of believing any form of Lashon Harah, even if the subject of discussion is present and does not deny what's being said about him.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 7:1-2 from gemara in Pesachim 87b and 118a. See Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot 181 and Hilchot Sanhedrin 21:7, Sefer HaChinukh 74, Shaarei [[Teshuvah]] 303:211 </ref>		# There is a Biblical prohibition of believing any form of Lashon Harah, even if the subject of discussion is present and does not deny what's being said about him.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 7:1-2 from gemara in Pesachim 87b and 118a. See Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot 181 and Hilchot Sanhedrin 21:7, Sefer HaChinukh 74, Shaarei [[Teshuvah]] 303:211 </ref>
	# The ~~listener to~~ Lashon Hara is worse than the one who says it <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:2 </ref>.		# The one who accepts Lashon Hara is worse than the one who says it <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:2 </ref>.
	# Even if Lashon Harah is said for constructive purposes (and within the guidelines of what is allowed to be said), the listener may not wholeheartedly believe what is being said, but may only take precautions in dealing with the person about whom they have heard negative information. In addition, even if one has resolved not to believe Lashon Harah he might hear, it is still forbidden to continue listening to such conversation.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 6:2. Rav Moshe Shternbuch Teshuvot Vihanhagot, 1:555 says that humans are incapable of such control and therefore explains that the prohibition of accepting lashon hara is only to have one's behavior toward the subject change as a consequence of having heard it. The mental acceptance however is permitted. </ref>		# Even if Lashon Harah is said for constructive purposes (and within the guidelines of what is allowed to be said), the listener may not wholeheartedly believe what is being said, but may only take precautions in dealing with the person about whom they have heard negative information. In addition, even if one has resolved not to believe Lashon Harah he might hear, it is still forbidden to continue listening to such conversation.<ref> Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Harah 6:2. Rav Moshe Shternbuch Teshuvot Vihanhagot, 1:555 says that humans are incapable of such control and therefore explains that the prohibition of accepting lashon hara is only to have one's behavior toward the subject change as a consequence of having heard it. The mental acceptance however is permitted. </ref>

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 14 July 2020
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	==General guidelines==		==General guidelines==

	#It’s forbidden to speak about anything negative about a fellow Jew even if it’s true. This prohibition is called Lashon Hara. When communicating something false about another person, an even more severe sin is committed, that of Motzei Shem Ra (lit. producing a bad name for someone else). <ref>Rambam Deot 7:2, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:1) </ref>		#It’s forbidden to speak about anything negative about a fellow Jew even if it’s true. This prohibition is called Lashon Hara. When communicating something false about another person, an even more severe sin is committed, that of Motzei Shem Ra (lit. producing a bad name for someone else).<ref>Rambam Deot 7:2, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:1) </ref>
	#Rechilus / רכילות, comes from the Torah commandment "לא תלך רכיל בעמיך" / "don't be a talebearer in your nation" (Vayikra 19:16); the word "רכיל", literally "peddlar", refers to one who "carries stories" and 'peddles' them from one person to another, and says: "such and such ___ said", "such and such I heard about ___" <ref>The Kesef Mishnah Hil' De'ot 7:1 adds that these stories are personal--i.e. ___said this ''about you'' </ref>. Even if this is true, and there is no denegration, this speech violates a negative commandment, is a severe sin, and causes souls of Jews to be killed <ref>Rambam Hilchos De'os 7:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:1 </ref>.		#Rechilus / רכילות, comes from the Torah commandment "לא תלך רכיל בעמיך" / "don't be a talebearer in your nation" (Vayikra 19:16); the word "רכיל", literally "peddlar", refers to one who "carries stories" and 'peddles' them from one person to another, and says: "such and such ___ said", "such and such I heard about ___" <ref>The Kesef Mishnah Hil' De'ot 7:1 adds that these stories are personal--i.e. ___said this ''about you'' </ref>. Even if this is true, and there is no denegration, this speech violates a negative commandment, is a severe sin, and causes souls of Jews to be killed <ref>Rambam Hilchos De'os 7:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 30:1 </ref>.
	#It’s equally forbidden whether one volunteered or if one was asked for information where one will come to say Lashon Hara or Avak Lashon Hara. One should not listen to one’s father or Rabbi to say Lashon Hara or Avak Lashon Hara. (See circumstances where it is permitted in section Toelet). <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:5) </ref>		#It’s equally forbidden whether one volunteered or if one was asked for information where one will come to say Lashon Hara or Avak Lashon Hara. One should not listen to one’s father or Rabbi to say Lashon Hara or Avak Lashon Hara. (See circumstances where it is permitted in section Toelet).<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:5) </ref>
	#Even if taking upon oneself not to speak Lashon Hara will cause one to sustain financial loss such as the loss of one’s job (such as where the employer is very immoral and irreligious and considers one who is careful about this prohibition to be a fool and he’ll fire that person), nonetheless, it is forbidden to speak Lashon Hara. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:6) based on Rama YD 157:1 </ref>		#Even if taking upon oneself not to speak Lashon Hara will cause one to sustain financial loss such as the loss of one’s job (such as where the employer is very immoral and irreligious and considers one who is careful about this prohibition to be a fool and he’ll fire that person), nonetheless, it is forbidden to speak Lashon Hara.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:6) based on Rama YD 157:1 </ref>
	#Even if it will cause one embarrassment not to say Lashon Hara one may not say Lashon Hara. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:7) </ref> Needless to say, such a heroic moral stance is rewarded exponentially, in line with the rabbinic dictum "Reward is in proportion to the effort."<ref>Ethics of the Fathers, Chapter 5</ref>		#Even if it will cause one embarrassment not to say Lashon Hara one may not say Lashon Hara.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:7) </ref> Needless to say, such a heroic moral stance is rewarded exponentially, in line with the rabbinic dictum "Reward is in proportion to the effort."<ref>Ethics of the Fathers, Chapter 5</ref>
	#This prohibition includes any communication that is verbalized, written, or simply implied even in a silent manner.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:8). The Chafetz Chaim quotes Onkelos on Vayikra 19:16 who translates lo telech rachil as“lo teichol kurtzin.” Rashi explains that this refers to the way one motions with his eyes, even without speaking any words. </ref>		#This prohibition includes any communication that is verbalized, written, or simply implied even in a silent manner.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:8). The Chafetz Chaim quotes Onkelos on Vayikra 19:16 who translates lo telech rachil as“lo teichol kurtzin.” Rashi explains that this refers to the way one motions with his eyes, even without speaking any words. </ref>
	#Even if while saying Lashon Hara one also degrades oneself it’s still forbidden. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:9) </ref>		#Even if while saying Lashon Hara one also degrades oneself it’s still forbidden.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 1:9) </ref>

	==Types of negative information==		==Types of negative information==
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	==In front of 3 people==		==In front of 3 people==

	#It’s forbidden to say Lashon Hara in front of one person and all the more so in front of many people. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:1) </ref> However, it is permitted to make an ambiguous statement that can be understood in two ways (positively and negatively) about a Jew only if one says it in front of three people. The reasoning is that since it is said in front of 3 people the word will spread to the one being spoken about. If the speaker knows that what he says will be heard by the one he is speaking about, surely he will be careful not to say something that is recognizably derogatory about another. For example, to say "fire can be found in a certain house": the comment may be construed positively (the family has many children and Hashem blessed them with wealth or that they are extremely hospitable), but it may also be construed as a criticism (i.e. in that house, they always eat gluttonously) . <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:2). This is his understanding of the Rashbam to Bava Basra </ref>		#It’s forbidden to say Lashon Hara in front of one person and all the more so in front of many people.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:1) </ref> However, it is permitted to make an ambiguous statement that can be understood in two ways (positively and negatively) about a Jew only if one says it in front of three people. The reasoning is that since it is said in front of 3 people the word will spread to the one being spoken about. If the speaker knows that what he says will be heard by the one he is speaking about, surely he will be careful not to say something that is recognizably derogatory about another. For example, to say "fire can be found in a certain house": the comment may be construed positively (the family has many children and Hashem blessed them with wealth or that they are extremely hospitable), but it may also be construed as a criticism (i.e. in that house, they always eat gluttonously) .<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:2). This is his understanding of the Rashbam to Bava Basra </ref>
	#Some say that if someone said Lashon Hara before 3 people, even though he certainly violated Lashon Hara, the people who heard it may repeat it to others as long as one doesn’t intend to spread the word and publicize it. Some say it is forbidden except if it comes up tangentially in conversation. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:3) </ref>. Only those who heard it directly can repeat it, however, one who heard from someone who heard it originally may not repeat it. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:4) </ref>		#Some say that if someone said Lashon Hara before 3 people, even though he certainly violated Lashon Hara, the people who heard it may repeat it to others as long as one doesn’t intend to spread the word and publicize it. Some say it is forbidden except if it comes up tangentially in conversation.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:3) </ref>. Only those who heard it directly can repeat it, however, one who heard from someone who heard it originally may not repeat it.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:4) </ref>
	#If one of the 3 original people who heard it were yireh Hashem who are careful on Lashon Hara then it’s forbidden to repeat it. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:5) </ref>		#If one of the 3 original people who heard it were yireh Hashem who are careful on Lashon Hara then it’s forbidden to repeat it.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:5) </ref>
	#Something said before three people may only be repeated within the city and not in another city. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:6) </ref>		#Something said before three people may only be repeated within the city and not in another city.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:6) </ref>
	#If the speaker said not to repeat the information to others then it is Lashon Hara to repeat it. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:7) </ref>		#If the speaker said not to repeat the information to others then it is Lashon Hara to repeat it.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:7) </ref>
	#This leniency only applies to 1 speaking to 3 and not 2 speaking to 2. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:8) </ref>		#This leniency only applies to 1 speaking to 3 and not 2 speaking to 2.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:8) </ref>
	#One may not add even one word or to support it such as saying that story which was heard was accurate. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:9) </ref>		#One may not add even one word or to support it such as saying that story which was heard was accurate.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:9) </ref>
	#If it’s well known that a certain person did wrong in his past but now acts properly or it’s well known that his parents did wrong but he acts properly it’s forbidden to say this negative information. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:9) </ref>		#If it’s well known that a certain person did wrong in his past but now acts properly or it’s well known that his parents did wrong but he acts properly it’s forbidden to say this negative information.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:9) </ref>
	#Even if one fulfills the other requirements of BeApei Telata, if someone knows that the one listening will accept this information as true and add to it, it’s forbidden to tell him. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:10) </ref>		#Even if one fulfills the other requirements of BeApei Telata, if someone knows that the one listening will accept this information as true and add to it, it’s forbidden to tell him.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:10) </ref>
	#One who is careful about their soul would distance themselves from this leniency altogether. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:10) </ref>		#One who is careful about their soul would distance themselves from this leniency altogether.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:10) </ref>
	#It’s absolutely forbidden to say that the Rabbi’s Drashas (Divrei Torah) aren’t substantive or that there’s no point in listening because this is certainly Lashon Hara even if it’s true. If he is someone who is concerned with his soul he would give advice to the Rabbi privately and fulfill viahavta LeReacha Kamocha. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:12) </ref>		#It’s absolutely forbidden to say that the Rabbi’s Drashas (Divrei Torah) aren’t substantive or that there’s no point in listening because this is certainly Lashon Hara even if it’s true. If he is someone who is concerned with his soul he would give advice to the Rabbi privately and fulfill viahavta LeReacha Kamocha.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:12) </ref>
	#If a person revealed information relating to his business before 3 people, one who heard it may repeat it to others as long as he didn’t express that he doesn’t want this information repeated and the other conditions of Apei Telata are followed. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:13) </ref>		#If a person revealed information relating to his business before 3 people, one who heard it may repeat it to others as long as he didn’t express that he doesn’t want this information repeated and the other conditions of Apei Telata are followed.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 2:13) </ref>

	==In front of one's fellow==		==In front of one's fellow==

	#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one would say that information in front of the one who is being spoken about. It’s a grave prohibition to say Lashon Hara about a person actually in front of the one being spoken about. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:1) </ref>		#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one would say that information in front of the one who is being spoken about. It’s a grave prohibition to say Lashon Hara about a person actually in front of the one being spoken about.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:1) </ref>
	#That which Chazal permit when the speaker would have even said it in front of his fellow (the one being spoken about) that’s only to say Avak Lashon Hara which is a statement that can be interpreted in two ways. Thus, if he wouldn’t be embarrassed to say it before his fellow it’s clear that his intent isn’t to say something negative and it’s permitted. However, if he would be embarrassed to say it before his fellow it’s clear that his intent is to say something negative and it’s forbidden. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:2) </ref>		#That which Chazal permit when the speaker would have even said it in front of his fellow (the one being spoken about) that’s only to say Avak Lashon Hara which is a statement that can be interpreted in two ways. Thus, if he wouldn’t be embarrassed to say it before his fellow it’s clear that his intent isn’t to say something negative and it’s permitted. However, if he would be embarrassed to say it before his fellow it’s clear that his intent is to say something negative and it’s forbidden.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:2) </ref>
	#It’s forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one isn’t doing it out of hatred and intent to speak negatively about one’s fellow and even if it’s just a joke it’s a biblical prohibition. <ref>Rambam Deot 7:4, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:3) </ref>		#It’s forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one isn’t doing it out of hatred and intent to speak negatively about one’s fellow and even if it’s just a joke it’s a biblical prohibition.<ref>Rambam Deot 7:4, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:3) </ref>
	#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one doesn’t mention the name of one’s fellow but it’s clear from the discussion who that fellow is. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:4) </ref>		#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara even if one doesn’t mention the name of one’s fellow but it’s clear from the discussion who that fellow is.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:4) </ref>
	#Lashon Hara includes speech which isn’t negative about one’s fellow but it can cause one’s fellow embarrassment and the speaker intended this.. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:4) </ref>		#Lashon Hara includes speech which isn’t negative about one’s fellow but it can cause one’s fellow embarrassment and the speaker intended this..<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:4) </ref>
	#It’s forbidden even if one says it casually pretending not to know that one is saying Lashon Hara or that these are the deeds of that fellow. <ref>Rambam Deot 7:4, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:5) </ref>		#It’s forbidden even if one says it casually pretending not to know that one is saying Lashon Hara or that these are the deeds of that fellow.<ref>Rambam Deot 7:4, Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:5) </ref>
	#One may not say any negative about one’s fellow even if it will not cause any bad to my fellow. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:6) </ref>		#One may not say any negative about one’s fellow even if it will not cause any bad to my fellow.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:6) </ref>
	#If one sees one’s fellow do a sin if he is God fearing one must judge his favorably, if he is in between and the situation is unclear whether he was doing something wrong or not one must judge him favorably and even if the situation leans to the side that he was doing seomthing wrong it’s very proper to leave it as a doubt and not judge him negatively. If the situation is leaning to the side that he didn’t do something wrong it’s forbidden to judge him negatively. <ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:7) </ref>		#If one sees one’s fellow do a sin if he is God fearing one must judge his favorably, if he is in between and the situation is unclear whether he was doing something wrong or not one must judge him favorably and even if the situation leans to the side that he was doing seomthing wrong it’s very proper to leave it as a doubt and not judge him negatively. If the situation is leaning to the side that he didn’t do something wrong it’s forbidden to judge him negatively.<ref>Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 3:7) </ref>

	==Saying Lashon Harah without conditions==		==Saying Lashon Harah without conditions==
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	==About the Land of Israel==		==About the Land of Israel==

	#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara about the [[land of Israel]], its fruits, its people or any other aspect of it. <ref>Mishpatei Hashalom pg. 220. This is learned from the spies who are punished in Parashat Shelach for their slander of the [[land of Israel]]. </ref>		#It is forbidden to say Lashon Hara about the [[land of Israel]], its fruits, its people or any other aspect of it.<ref>Mishpatei Hashalom pg. 220. This is learned from the spies who are punished in Parashat Shelach for their slander of the [[land of Israel]]. </ref>

	==About Deceased==		==About Deceased==

	#It is also forbidden to speak Lashon Hara about the deceased. <ref>Mishpatei Hashalom pg. 220 </ref>		#It is also forbidden to speak Lashon Hara about the deceased.<ref>Mishpatei Hashalom pg. 220 </ref>

	== Journalism ==		== Journalism ==

	# Lashon Hara applies to newspapers, journals, magazines and other written sources, as Lashon Hara is not prohibited just for speech.<ref>Chofetz Chaim (Lashon Harah) 1:8</ref>		# Lashon Hara applies to newspapers, journals, magazines and other written sources, as Lashon Hara is not prohibited just for speech.<ref>Chofetz Chaim (Lashon Harah) 1:8</ref>
	# Fundamentally, it is permitted, and perhaps you are required, to be aware of the character traits and behavior of your local leadership, so journalism which is written to that end is permitted. However, one must still be very cautious not to deviate from fair judgement and the relevant and necessary information. <ref>Iggeret Chazon Ish, Volume 2, Iggeret 133b, cited in True Facts and False Rumors by Rabbi Daniel Feldman.</ref>		# Fundamentally, it is permitted, and perhaps you are required, to be aware of the character traits and behavior of your local leadership, so journalism which is written to that end is permitted. However, one must still be very cautious not to deviate from fair judgement and the relevant and necessary information.<ref>Iggeret Chazon Ish, Volume 2, Iggeret 133b, cited in True Facts and False Rumors by Rabbi Daniel Feldman.</ref>

	==Links==		==Links==