Welcome to the Judaism community on Codidact!
Will you help us build our community of learners? Drop into our study hall, ask questions, help others with answers to their questions, share a d'var torah if you're so inclined, invite your friends, and join us in building this community together. Not an ask-the-rabbi service, just people at all levels learning together.
Comments on How should one who hears lashon hara respond?
Post
How should one who hears lashon hara respond?
I've read a lot about lashon hara from the perspective of (not) speaking it. My question is from the other side: what are one's obligations, both halacha and ethically (per Judaism), upon witnessing it? I understand that we're supposed to not believe it, but are we supposed to take other actions?
For example, in a conversation where somebody else says what sounds like lashon hara, should the listener question/challenge the statement (trying to judge favorably)? Make a counter-statement (if the listener knows the claim to be false)? Change the subject to try to prevent anything more being said on the subject (and thus more lashon hara possibly being said)?
Does the answer depend on the nature of the lashon hara, like how damaging it is if believed, how many people are present, or the status of the people involved?
1 comment thread