THE DILEMMA
A well-known speaker is coming to your town and your friend invites you to come along to hear him. You’ve heard this speaker several times before and, although his material is interesting, you prefer a more dynamic speaking style. Can you tell your friend why you don’t want to go to the lecture?
SHMIRAS HALASHON
Criticizing the speaker is loshon hora. Your comments imply that he isn’t effective, and may result in people deciding against going to hear him. This is clearly derogatory information that does the subject harm – the definition of loshon hora. The case might be different, however, if the inquirer is in charge of hiring a speaker for an event.
Reviewed by Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita. For discussion only; pls consult a rav. From Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation's Shabbos Menu [email protected].
