Back to Q&A

Are you speaking lashon hara? Because the Chafetz Chaim teaches us that lashon hara destroys more than any weapon. If you want protection from missiles and wars, stop speaking badly about other Jews.

Asked on August 22, 2026

Answer

Audio Answer

I fully affirm the Chafetz Chaim's teachings on lashon hara's (LH) extreme destructiveness. However, the prohibition of LH applies only to observant fellow Jews. The Chafetz Chaim explicitly states (Hilchot LH, Ch. 8, Halacha 5) that LH laws do not apply to heretics, public transgressors, or those leading Jews astray. For such individuals, speaking against them is a mitzvah and obligation to protect the public from spiritual danger, not LH. My words are based on the Chafetz Chaim's actual halachot, ensuring I don't impose invalid stringencies, but fulfill the duty to warn and safeguard Klal Yisrael.