Halachic Highlights

Question: Is it permitted to speak lashon ha’ra where your words have a productive purpose (to’eles) but are also said out of hatred?

Question: Is it permitted to share with others lashon ha’ra that is public information, such as a decision from a beis din?

Short Answer: Negative information about someone, even if public, such as a ruling of a beis din, should not be shared with others on a consistent or organized basis, especially if the intent is to spread gossip.

Question: Is it permitted to believe that lashon ha’ra that you told is true based on outside evidence?

Short Answer: It is permitted to believe lashon ha’ra that you know to be true based on outside evidence of which you have firsthand knowledge.

Question: Does one violate the prohibition of lashon ha’ra when he or she speaks negatively about a person in front of him?

Short Answer: The poskim dispute whether lashon ha’ra is violated when spoken in front of the person being spoken about, but certainly other prohibitions are violated.

Question: Is it permitted to listen to lashon ha’ra, even if you don’t believe what you hear?

Question: Is it permissible to speak lashon ha’ra about a person who is constantly arguing and fighting with others?

Short Answer: In limited circumstances, such as to prevent future fighting, and with certain limitations, one may speak lashon ha’ra about a person who starts fights and arguments.