PODCAST · religion
Chofetz Chaim Podcast
by R' Elchonon Kuritsky
A detailed exploration into the Laws of Proper Speech based on Sefer Chofetz Chaim
Episodes
-
1.8 - In Writing
The prohibition of Lashon Hara applies even when its written down. Presumably the reader would also be transgressing "listening" to Lashon Hara by reading it. This is especially relevant in modern times with texting and reviews online. Even showing others a letter which will indicate something...
-
1.7 - Isn't all "Costs" a To'eles?
There is an allowance to speak Lashon Hora l'To'eles to prevent a friend from financial harm, why wouldn't that allowance be effective for the individual as well? We redefine the allowance of "To'eles" not to be an allowance to violate the prohibition for the sake of the greater good, rather when...
-
1.6 - Avoiding Lashon Hara at all "Costs" (2)
Based on our previous episode, it would be assumed that there's no difference in regards to the prohibition of speaking vs. listening to Lashon Hara in a circumstance when your Parnassah is at risk. However, the Chavos Yair suggests that a prohibition which is violated through passivity does not...
-
1.6 - Avoiding Lashon Hara at all "Costs" (1)
If ones employer demands knowledge which involves Lashon Hara it is prohibited to speak it even if it will cost him his job. If a person is at risking of losing his Parnassah he is still not allowed to violate a Lav of the Torah, which includes Lashon Hara rather he must give up all of his...
-
1.5 - When a Parent or a Rebbe Asks
Although there is a Mitzva to fulfill the request of a Parent or a Rebbe, when their request includes a violation of a Rabbinic prohibition it is forbidden to listen to them. This would surely apply with regard to the prohibition of Lashon Hara. Hilchos Lashon Hara 1:5 אֵין חִלּוּק בְּאִסוּר...
-
1.3,4 - With Guilt vs. Without
The definition of a Ba'al Lashon Hora is given as someone who views Lashon Hora with complete disregard. If one learns the laws of proper speech, he may stumble but it will be on his radar and he wont derive as much pleasure from it. The Alter of Slabodka spends time with an older irreligious man...
-
1.2 - Lashon Hara included in Rechilus
The prohibition of Lashon Hara is derived from Rechilus based on an a fortiori (Kal v'Chomer) ("Since he's degrading him with this speech"), as explained by the Rambam. Question - The prohibitions of Lashon Hara and Rechilus are two separate distinct Prohibitions, how can Lashon Hara be included...
-
1.1 - Intro to Halachos
The Chofetz Chaim suggests giving a class dealing with the laws of Lashon Hara from a Halachic source for one who is looking to rectify their own sin of lashon hara. People often think of the sin of lashon hara as a lack in proper ethics but in truth we need to recognize that it is an actual...
-
65 - Importance of the Introduction
After concluding with all the prohibitions, mitzvos, and curses involved, the Chofetz Chaim tells us that we should reread this introduction because this will help protect us in our fight with lashon hara more than anything else. This is because (1) These words come from the great Rishonim whose...
-
64 - The Key to being Cursed or Blessed
After finishing the mitzvos and before the laws, the Chofetz Chaim tells of a number of curses that apply to a speaker of Lashon Hara. There are three common ones, the first is (Devarim 27:24): "Cursed be he who smites his neighbor in secret." Rashi explains that "smiting one's neighbor in…
more -
63 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (3)
The Alter of Slabodka asks how can we expect a weak human being to be similar or emulate to Hashem? The Mishna in Avos teaches us that a person is precious because he was created in the image of Hashem. All the philosophers have never accurately assessed the uniqueness of man since the only way…
more -
62 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (2)
The Chofetz Chaim explained the specific trait that Hashem acts with is focusing on the positive as opposed to negative and when one speaks lashon hara essentially he's disproportionally viewing this person through the negative lens of this "story". If we define judging our fellow meritoriously…
more -
61 - Walking in Hashem's Ways (1)
The final mitzvah brought by the Chofetz Chaim is "And you shall walk in His ways," which commands us to emulate the traits of Hashem. There was a battle by Yericho where the Jews were commanded not to take the spoils of the war yet someone did, when Yehoshua asked Hashem who it was, He responded...
-
60 - Virtue of Truth (3)
The Yetzer Hora constantly makes requests of a person and craves that he will agree to whatever he asks. However, the Yetzer Hora does not have the ability to fulfill this desire without the agreement of the intellect of the person, there needs to be a rationalization and consent before doing...
-
59 - Virtue of Truth (2)
In the category of falsehood is misleading people, which applies to even non-Jews. The Rabbis view this as a more severe transgression than theft! The reason is that truth is a fundamental aspect of our soul which was is part of the Godly essence that was given to us. The verse in proverbs...
-
58 - Virtue of Truth (1)
All of the prohibitions mentioned until now were assuming the speech was truthful, however, if it contains an element of falsehood then there's a transgression of (Shemoth 23:7): "From a thing of falsehood keep far" and this speech is referred to as "Motzei Shem Ra". We explained earlier that all...
-
57 - A Woman's role in Torah (4)
As a conclusion to our discussion, the Shulchan Aruch rules that a woman makes a blessing on Torah despite the fact that they are not obligated to learn. The Maharsha says Hashem tells Moshe to command the Jewish people that the women should strain themselves and be intimately involved in their...
-
56 - A Woman's role in Torah (3)
The Gemorah asks "What merit do women have?" and responds "They send their children to learn in yeshiva and allow their husbands to learn far away and wait for them". This is a bizarre question. "What merit do women have"?! What about every other commandment in the Torah that they are obligated…
more -
55 - A Woman's role in Torah (2)
The Gemorah is trying to find a merit for a woman to delay the punishment when she committed adultery. First it suggests the merit of her learning Torah but rejects it due to her not being commanded in that mitzvah and then concludes she has the merit of bringing her children to yeshiva and…
more -
54 - A Woman's role in Torah (1)
The Maharal writes in Shemos that the women question how they can get reward for Torah which they don't study and Hashem tells Moshe to respond that their role in Torah is even more significant than the men. Rabbenu Yona explains since they send their children to learn in yeshiva, shower them…
more -
53 - Learning Torah! (2)
The Gemorah concludes a person was created to toil in the study of Torah with his mouth. The Chofetz Chaim explains most limbs require exertion to move them as opposed to the mouth in which speech flows effortlessly. Hashem gave us this ability by speech in order for us to be constantly engaged…
more -
52 - Learning Torah! (1)
The most significant mitzvah which outweighs all other mitzvos of the Torah put together is that of studying Torah. This mitzvah has no specific amount, the obligation incumbent upon every male is the entire day whenever he has the availability. The Rosh Yeshivas tell us the parameters of the...
-
51 - Fear of G-d (2)
This fear of consequences we mentioned is based on the Rambam and the Sefer HaChinuch. However the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuva that says it's inappropriate to serve Hashem based on fear and it's for ignorant people to hold on to until they can be educated to serve Hashem from love. The Rambam…
more -
50 - Fear of G-d (1)
On top of all the other transgressions, the speaker of lashon hara violates the mitzvah of (Devarim 6:13): "The L–rd your G–d shall you fear,". When the opportunity to sin arises we are obligated to counter it with the thought that "Hashem is aware of all that happens and there are consequences…
more -
49 - Honoring Parents
Besides for honoring parents there is an additional mitzvah to honor a brother, mother's husband, and fathers wife from the verse [(Shemoth 20:12): "Honor your father and [ve'eth] your mother," as explained in Kethuvoth 103a)]. Unfortunately people assume there may be an allowance to speak ill...
-
48 - Honoring the Kohen (2)
Rav Shimon Schwab met with the Chofetz Chaim who told him that it's a pity he's not a Kohen because he won't be able to work in the Beis HaMikdash when it comes. The reason why only kohanim can serve in the temple is due to the difficult choice their ancestors made during the episode of the…
more -
47 - Honoring the Kohen (1)
There is a mitzvah to give the kohen much honor and if one shames him in his presence by speaking lashon hara he will be transgressing (Vayikra 21:8): "And you shall sanctify him". In regard to his honor not only is a kohen called up to the Torah reading first and the initial offer to lead the...
-
46 - Honoring Torah Scholars (2)
Rabbenu Yona explains one of the significant reasons of honoring Torah scholars is that its puts them on a pedestal which creates an atmosphere in which the people revere and respect their words. Rav Mattisyahu Solomon says it's possible for a Jewish child raised in a Jewish home to be in the...
-
45 - Honoring Torah Scholars (1)
The previous mentioned mitzvah contains two mitzvos: (1) Honoring an elderly person even if he's an ignoramus and (2) to relate to one who acquired wisdom in a superior way. Rav Elyashiv defines a wise person as anyone known as a Torah scholar and certainly one with a Rabbinic position. A...
-
44 - Honoring Elders
There is a verse in Kedoshim that states (Vayikra 19:32): "And you shall honor the face of the elder." The Shulchan Aruch defines an "elder" as someone who is 70 years old. If the subject of Lashon Hara is an elder then he is transgressing this mitzvah because when the Torah tells us to "honor"…
more -
43 - Revering Hashem's Places
If one were to speak Lashon Hara in a Synagogue or Beis Medrash then there would be an additional prohibition of "And My sanctuary shall you fear." We are required to have a special reverence for Hashem's holy places and this would include not acting with lightheadedness etc and obviously…
more -
42 - Flee to the Desert! (or Yeshiva)
Since people are naturally drawn in their attitudes and actions after their friends and neighbors we must be careful to connect with righteous people and always reside amongst Torah scholars to learn from them. If such an area doesn't exist he should live alone and if he can't then he should flee...
-
41 - Connect to Scholars
Chazal explain the mitzvah of (Devarim 10:20): "And to Him shall you cleave," as a reference to be associated with Torah scholars with every type of connection. We can learn more from viewing their daily living than by their actual teachings. If one is part of a group that speak Lashon Hara than...
-
40 - Approaching Admonishment (2)
Shockingly, Yaakov refrained from rebuking Reuven until the end of his life since he was afraid it would compel him to leave and join up with Esav! We can see from this the severity of rebuke. An idea to minimize the risk in admonishing is by focusing on the greatness of the person and trying to...
-
39 - Approaching Admonishment (1)
To give rebuke to another Jew is something fraught with significant danger since it can easily be taken as an affront to his self esteem. Two common undesirable outcomes from rebuking someone is either defensiveness or distress. The Rambam tells us the proper way of admonishing is with a calm and...
-
38 - Instant Rebuke
If one sees that his friend is about to tell him something negative and he declines to stop him will be in violation of (Vayikra 19:16): "Reprove shall you reprove your neighbor." To allow him to continue speaking while having in mind to correct him afterwards is comparable to letting one eat…
more -
37 - Offering Reviews
The third mitzvah enumerated by the Chofetz Chaim is (Vayikra 25:35): "And if your brother grows poor and his hand falls with you, then you shall uphold him [even if he be], proselyte or sojourner; and he shall live with you." And (Ibid 16): "And your brother shall live with you,". If the Lashon...
-
36 - How to Judge Others (2)
The Sefer HaChinuch tells us the reason the cities of refuge for an inadvertent murderer was located in the tribe of Levi is because of their exemplary character traits which allowed them not to be hostile toward the murderer. They were able to view the truth that although he caused harm it was...
-
35 - How to Judge Others (1)
An often misunderstood mitzvah is that of (Vayikra 19:15): "In righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." In a scenario where we see someone performing a questionable action we have an obligation to judge him positively and certainly not speak Lashon Hara about it. People tend to assume this...
-
34 - Do we REALLY Love Family?
The Mitzva of loving your fellow Jew as yourself is typically thought of as applying to other people but the Chovos HaLevovos tells us the basis of our dealings with family is based on this Mitzva. The Chidushei HaLev is bothered since a natural love already exists why would we need a commandment...
-
33 - Your Honor is My Honor
The second positive commandment being violated is (Vayikra 19:18): "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The Torah tells us we must be concerned with our friends dignity just as much as our own. In the same way we would not want anyone publicizing any of our flaws we need to have the…
more -
32 - Remembering Miriam (3)
The Chofetz Chaim relates that the foundation of healing for all the issues relating to Lashon Hara is to focus on the story of Miriam. He shares a number of reasons why it doesn't appear to be effective, including one losing hope in himself to truly be able to overcome his struggles in Lashon...
-
31 - Remembering Miriam (2)
The Chofetz Chaim tells us that way to fulfill the positive mitzva of remembering Miriam in a practical sense is by mentioning it with the mouth. Although some do mention it with the six remembrances it does not seem to be the minhag. The Magen Avrohom interestingly notes that in the blessing of...
-
30 - Remembering Miriam (1)
The first positive commandment that we have regarding Lashon Hara is "Remember what the L–rd your G–d did to Miriam on the way when you went out of Egypt." The fact that Miriam was still punished even in these favorable circumstances teaches us how much more so we have to be careful in our own...
-
29 - Conclusion of the Prohibitions
After listing 17 prohibitions involved with the transgression of Lashon Hara, the Chofetz Chaim tells us perhaps now that we appreciate all the aspects of destruction it can motivate us to strategize how to remove ourselves from improper speech. Rav Chaim Volozhin was able to find an allowance…
more -
28 - Taming Anger (2)
Rav Chaim Volozhin tells us through the trait of tolerance and patience a person can achieve significantly more in the area of child rearing. Similarly the Chazon Ish relays that one learns way more from the practice of the teacher than from his speech. If the teacher is giving over a message…
more -
27 - Taming Anger (1)
People often speak Lashon Hara out of anger and it can lead to cursing the subject and at times even with Hashems name. This is a transgression of "Do not curse a deaf man", which includes all Jews. The reason it's forbidden is not only due to the damage done to the subject but even to the one...
-
26 - The Folly of Flattery (3)
We previously mentioned it would have been thought one would give up his life rather than flatter a wicked person because it appears as if he's falsifying by approving of this person. However there are two types of flattery: condoning the actual forbidden act and giving honor to the person. In…
more -
25 - The Folly of Flattery (2)
The Chofetz Chaim makes an astounding statement: "That a person is obliged to put himself in danger rather than flatter someone"!? The Gemora in Sotah says anyone who flatters his friend goes to purgatory for it, however Tosfos explains that's only when there is NO danger. Rav Moshe Feinstein…
more -
24 - The Folly of Flattery (1)
Perhaps a less known prohibition is that of flattery. The Mishnah Berurah cautions us that when analyzing our actions at night to especially pay attention to the common ones such as "flattery...etc." If a persons intention in speaking Lashon Hara is to flatter the listener by telling him negative...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A detailed exploration into the Laws of Proper Speech based on Sefer Chofetz Chaim
HOSTED BY
R' Elchonon Kuritsky
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Chofetz Chaim Podcast have?
Chofetz Chaim Podcast currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Chofetz Chaim Podcast about?
A detailed exploration into the Laws of Proper Speech based on Sefer Chofetz Chaim
How often does Chofetz Chaim Podcast release new episodes?
Chofetz Chaim Podcast has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Chofetz Chaim Podcast?
You can listen to Chofetz Chaim Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Chofetz Chaim Podcast?
Chofetz Chaim Podcast is created and hosted by R' Elchonon Kuritsky.
URL copied to clipboard!