Daily Jewish Law - 2/13

Hi,

We have been learning about lashon hara, harmful speech. We have already stated that one may not accept a negative report about a person. Additionally, one may not even place himself in a position to hear such a report, even planning to reject it.

The one exception to this rule is if the news might affect the listener materially - in such a case one may listen, and although one may not fully accept the report, one may take appropriate measures for self-protection.

For example: One who is about to enter into a partnership with person X may inquire about his credibility. If the report is negative then one may not accept it in the sense of fully believing it, but he may accept the report to the extent of not entering into the partnership.

(Mekor Chaim 6:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai