QUESTION
I recently went to Tuvia’s Tires to get two new tires for my car. Since I’m a loyal customer who’s given Tuvia a lot of business over the years, I asked him for a discount. Tuvia agreed to charge me $75 instead of $90 per tire. While I was waiting for the tires to be changed, a prospective customer walked in. We started chatting, and during the conversation, I mentioned that I was getting two new tires. He asked me the price. Was I allowed to tell him that I received a discount? — Shmuly
ANSWER
Loshon hora is usually negative information, but sometimes a person can stumble by repeating positive information. This is avak loshon hora, the “dust” of loshon hora, which refers to positive or neutral information that can cause the subject to suffer a loss. If Shmuly says, “Tuvia’s a great guy! He even gave me a discount for the two tires,” the customer might be inclined to ask for a discount as well, and Tuvia might feel obligated to agree. This will cut into Tuvia’s profits, especially if the word spreads. Tuvia did a favor for Shmuly and will surely be disappointed if Shmuly mentions it to others, even though it is a compliment about his kindness. As such, Shmuly should ask Tuvia for permission before saying anything about the discount.
U FARATZTA
RABBI SHALOM BER MUNITZ
CHOFETZ CHAIM HERITAGE FOUNDATION
