3 July

baal teshuvah if either the speaker or listener considers this

derogatory (which, in fact, it is not). Based on the prohibition

against relating negative information or information that could

cause harm or hurt, it is permissible to relate that a person is a

baal teshuvah only if, in addition to the speaker and listener not

considering this to be derogatory, the baal teshuvah himself is

open about his past and if this fact were mentioned in his presence

he would not feel hurt; or (in a case where the baal teshuvah is

sensitive about his past) the listener is known to be discreet and

the information will never be passed on to others.

The following segment is a translation from the Chofetz Chaim's writings on the philosophy of proper speech from the Sefer Shmiras Halashon.

The Shechinah Departs

R' Mona said: Whoever speaks loshon hora causes the Shechinah to

ascend from this world. As David said: "My soul is among lions, I lie with men

who are aflame, people whose teeth are spears and arrows, and whose tongue is

a sharp sword. Be exalted above the heavens, O G-d, above all the earth be Your

glory" (Tehillim 57:5-6).

David's intent was: "Master of the Universe: Why is Your Presence manifest on

this world [when such sinners are present]? Remove it to Your heavenly abode.''

Regarding the gossiper does Hashem say: "He and I cannot dwell together in this

world" (Arachin 15b). Furthermore, the second Destruction occurred because of

the gossipers who caused sinas chinam (baseless hatred) to reign among the people

(Yoma 9b).

One who causes strife among friends is despicable in the eyes of Hashem, and

his sin is too great to bear. King Solomon said: "Six things are hated by

HASHEM, and the seventh is despised by Him. Haughty eyes, a tongue of falsehood,

hands which shed innocent blood... and one who incites quarrels among brothers"

(Mishlei 6:1619). Our Sages state that the seventh sin is the worst of all.