Introduction:

 A Unique Perspective on Lashon Hara

                Many popular books discuss the serious Torah prohibition against speaking ill of others. Such works typically outline the parameters of the pertinent Halachoth and emphasize the importance of observing them. Few, however, address much deeper questions: Why did the Torah forbid evil speech? What type of world view underlies this prohibition? What are the spiritual effects of Lashon Hara? Why did the sages identify it as the worst sin a person cam commit- more serious than murder, idolatry, or adultery? 

                Jew and Gentile alike recognize the damage gossip causes and the flawed character of those who spread it. Almost everyone knows the common expression, “If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.” This attitude flows from the general acceptance throughout the world of the Torah principle that, “You shall love your neighbor like yourself.” Just as a person does not want his friends to spread derogatory information about him, he should not speak ill of them. This makes especially good sense when one considers that no one is perfect- everyone has flaws which can be pointed out.

                From the torah’s point of view, tale-bearing is far more than a bad habit or simple rudeness. One of the major themes which the works of the Chassidic masters explore is why something which other cultures consider a petty vice is viewed by the Jewish religion as the most heinous of crimes. As the reader will learn, Lashon Hara has the power to cripple the very life force which Hashem created to sustain the universe.

                The spies whom Moses sent to explore the Land of Israel returned with an evil report which most of the Jewish men accepted. Hashem punished that generation by forbidding them to enter the Land. Instead, they wandered through the desert for forty years. While most people can grasp the wrongness of speaking ill of other, what does it mean to speak Lashon Hara about land, and why was the punishment so sever?  These are the types of question which the Chassidic masters address in their writings.

                Many readers know about several other historical situations in which Lashon Hara played a major role. For example, Miriam spoke ill of her brother, Moses. Joseph carried a bad report about his bothers to their father, Jacob. However, many people are unaware that, according to the profound masteries of the Torah as understood by the Chassidic masters, these were most isolated instance. Rather, Lashon Hara is a very pervasive problem which has played a highly destructive role throughout the course of history.

                The goal of this book is to convey material which, for the most part, has never before been presented in English. It goes beyond the basics to deliver a clear and novel perspective on Lashon Hara as seen through the eyes of some of the greatest Torah scholars who gave ever lived.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

                Yehuda Cahn holds a masters degree from Ner Israel Rabbinical College . He is also an ordained rabbi with degrees from Columbia University and the University of Maryland School Of Law . He has many years of experience writing books on Jewish topics.

                Other books by Yehuda Cahn include Torah from Jerusalem – two volumes of translations of Aggadoth of the Jerusalem Talmud with commentary; Wake up to the new year – stories and insights for the Yamim Noraim ; and An Ancient Tale of Rags and Riches -  a novel for young people set in the time of the Second Temple .